akikan 40. Tanuki. 287-299

Tanuki Rise of the Yokai Clan 287 Are you really handsome?

When the sun was about to set and the night was to come, all the Masters that participated in this Holy Grail walked out from their hiding place, ready to start their battle.

Among them was Lancer's Master, Kayneth, who also got ready to walk out and start his hunt.

His aim was obvious, Emiya Kiritsugu.

This dirty bastard didn't follow the rules of the "Mage" and bombed his hotel. Fortunately, with his "Magecraft," Volumen Hydrargyrum: Marrow of the Moon Spirit, he was saved.

Yet, even so, he couldn't wait to cut Kiritsugu into several pieces.

His Magical Workshop within the Fuyuki City Hyatt Hotel's top floor, fortified with a twenty-four-layer Bounded Field, wasn't cheap. It was extremely expensive, or rather he almost took out half of his family treasure to win this tournament.

Yet, that lunatic destroyed all of them.

It was also the reason why he was saved; he wanted to fight Kiritsugu without hesitation. Unfortunately, he wasn't alone. He brought his fiancee to this place, so to protect her safety, he went to the outskirts of Fuyuki city to create a new basement.

As for the new Magical Workshop, it was simply impossible since he didn't have any more treasures anymore. All of those treasures he brought from his homeland were destroyed by Kiritsugu's bombing after all.

So, in this place, when the city had not yet been decided as an emerging residential area, he chose a place used for something like lumber as his base camp. The location should have been abandoned by developing trends, forgotten by emergent flourishing streets, and quietly stood in the heart of the small hilly area overgrown with lalang.

Yet, it was a perfect place for hiding.

Moreover, there was no need for him to be bombed any more.

Nevertheless, his revenge was useless, especially when he received news that Kiritsugu was killed by the police.

Kiritsugu's action was already too much, especially when he had killed so many people in this city. Even though everything was for world peace, no one would understand such a method where he could kill the minority for the majority.

Still, hearing this news, even though Kayneth was a bit annoyed since he couldn't use his own hands to take down Kiritsugu, he also felt delighted toward Kiritsugu's misfortune. While it wasn't his character, he laughed so hard when he thought that Kiritsugu died in the hands of those stupid mortals.

"Hahaha..."

Sola Ui, Kayneth's fiancee, who had been in a bad mood after her living place was bombed, also felt happy inwardly since Kiritsugu was dying.

For a Mage, while they looked down on someone like Kiritsugu, he was a troublesome opponent to them since he was like a rat who was hiding in the gutter and only came out when no one realized.

Fortunately, that rat was eliminated and died.

Still, this time the fiance and fiancee, who had always been at odd, seemed to be in synch, especially when the enemy that had caused their place to be destroyed died.

As expected, to get two people to be together, the fastest was to have a common enemy.

Nevertheless, Lancer felt a bit unsettled. "Then, Master, do you think Saber will also be eliminated in this battle?"

Everyone knew that Irisviel, who had been on Saber's side, was nothing but a fake Master.

Master's real Saber was, without a doubt, Kiritsugu.

Frankly, Lancer never cared much about Kiritsugu, especially someone who used a dirty trick. After all, as a knight, he hated such a sneaky method so much, or rather, for all the knights type of Servant, Kiritsugu's existence was like vomit.

This guy was disgusting.

Yet Lancer was cornered about Saber.

If Kiritsugu died, then what about Saber?

Was she dead?

Was she eliminated along with her Master?

That was the question that Diarmuid wanted to ask.

The battle he had with Saber hadn't finished, and he wished to complete it.

The fight used all of their powers, where they gave their belief, blood, and everything.

If Saber lost and disappeared just like this, wouldn't it be a little regrettable?

"Hmm..."

Kayneth didn't answer Lancer's question immediately but fell into silence. "Probably not. The homunculus from the Einzbern is by her side. There is a chance that homunculus might become the new Master of Saber."

"Then, Master..."

Lancer was excited to hear this answer.

Kayneth nodded. "When the night comes, let's visit the Einzbern castle. It will be unfair if we don't pay them a visit, right?"

That answer was clear, and it meant that they were going to the Einzbern castle when the night came.

Whether Saber had been eliminated or not, they needed to confirm it, and the fastest way was to visit the Einzbern castle.

If Saber is eliminated, then that's it.

However, if Saber still lived, then they were going to kill them.

Especially when Saber was still cursed by Lancer's Noble Phantasm, so she should be at her weakest moment.

This time, there shouldn't be an interception, and no one would bother them.

By then, they could fight while giving their everything.

Whether Lancer or Kayneth, they anticipated the battle tonight.

Unfortunately, Sola couldn't share that excitement and only kept her lips shut, saying one or two critics to Kayneth, causing his spirit to dampen slightly, yet it didn't stop the blazing spirit in his heart.

Nevertheless, Kayneth didn't realize the gaze of Sola on Lancer was slightly wrong.

However, suddenly, their bodies were tense since their Bounded Field told them that someone had come to their base camp.

"—?!

Even though Kayneth lost all of his treasures, it didn't mean that he couldn't create a basic Bounded Field.

As he made this place into a basecamp, he used his "Magecraft" to enhance it. Nevertheless, based on his standard, this place was below his standard, and it wasn't suitable to be called a living place, but he could only bear it.

However, there was no time to explain this matter since an opponent came into their door.

"Lancer!"

"Yes!"

Due to Bounded Field, they noticed two presences that came right into their door.

"Sola, stay here."

Sola was silent, but she followed Kayneth's words.

Meanwhile, Kayneth and Lancer walked out from the basecamp, then saw their invader, and they were surprised when they saw a familiar Servant.

"...Saber?"

Lancer was dumbfounded.

Kayneth showed a smug smile. "It seems we don't need to visit the Einzbern Castle to take down Saber." Then, he looked at Lancer and said, "This time, don't disappoint me again, Lancer."

"Yes, I won't let you down, Master."

Lancer held his spears as he was ready for his second battle with Lancer.

However—

The figure on Saber's side, who they thought as Irisviel, took off the hood of his mantle, showing his appearance to everyone.

"....."

Both Lancer and Kayneth were stunned in place.

However, Sola already had a heart-shaped pupil when she saw him.

Nevertheless, the three of them had a similar thought.

'This guy... is so handsome.' 3x

Tamazuki also glanced at Diarmuid and thought that he was more handsome.

Tanuki Rise of the Yokai Clan Chapter 288 Lancer: "My death is better than in the original" | Patreon

Unlike Diarmuid, who used his "Love Spot" to forcefully make women fall for him, it worked like a curse.

Tamazuki's appearance was natural, and it made people fall for him naturally.

Still, it didn't mean that it was omnipotent, as he had never thought to use it that way. However, facing Diarmuid, who often flared and showed off his "Love Spot," there was no need for him to hold back.

Quickly, Sola, who fell due to Diarmuid's Love Spot, also changed her target and stared at Tamazuki for a longer time.

However, Kayneth and Lancer were different. The two of them were men, so even if Tamazuki was attractive, neither of them was going to fall for him.

Yet, strangely enough, Kayneth felt happy somehow and couldn't help but stare at Lancer.

As expected, Lancer's expression was as complicated as if he had been defeated by something.

Lancer might appear like a gentleman who treated his Master with loyalty and a lady gentlemanly, but was he truly that selfless? Before he was a hero, he was also a human. He also felt a superiority toward others. It included his skill in spears and also his appearance.

His spear aside, his appearance was something that he was proud of, even though it was also the source of his tragedy.

So, when he saw someone better than him, he felt quite awkward and also uncomfortable.

Still, it was impossible for him to show it, but he wasn't someone who was good at poker face, so his displeased expression was seen by everyone.

Nevertheless, the identity of the young man besides Saber made all of them doubt.

Who was he?

Why was he by Saber's side?

Shouldn't Irisviel be by Saber's side?

While Lancer and Kayneth were confused, Tamazuki said, "Come on, Lancer. Let's fight. I don't have much time."

"....." 2x

Kayneth didn't say anything and looked at Lancer quietly.

Lancer felt extremely uncomfortable before he looked at Saber. "Saber..."

"I am not going to fight you." Saber shook her head naturally. "He is the one who is fighting you today. He is... Caster."

"Caster...?!" 2x

Whether Kayneth or Lancer would be lying if they didn't feel surprised.

Was this Caster?

Why did he appear in front of them like a warrior?

However, Lancer snorted. "Is that so? Then, I will deal with him first before I deal with you." He had been excited about his battle with Saber, so it would be impossible if he wasn't displeased by Tamazuki's action.

Tamazuki shook his head, wondering why a knight was so arrogant when their existence was nothing but being paid by their Master.

Still, similar to Lancelot, the existence of Diarmuid wasn't much different. If there was a difference, Diarmuid's tragedy was a good thing, especially when he eloped with the wife of his King.

Did Diarmuid think that he could have a happy ending after what he had done?

You think too much!

Tamazuki also didn't hesitate and took out his Ser-Veresta.

At that moment, everyone was hit by an intense hit.

The forest was burnt, and everything was melted.

Even magma started to spread from the bottom of his feet.

"This is...?!"

When Tamazuki took out his sword, they thought that he was just joking around, especially when his class was Caster, but when everything started to burn, they lost their voices and were filled with horror.

Especially Kayneth and Sola, who were just "Mage." Under the intense heat, they felt that their bodies were melting, but somehow, the two of them were pulled into something from their bottoms.

"Master! Sola-sama!"

Lancer panicked when he saw two important people whom he had promised to protect had been kidnapped.

"You bastard! Let go of the two of them!"

Lancet tried to hold the intense heat that appeared before him. Frankly, he wanted to attack Tamazuki directly, but Kayneth and Sola were on his hands, so he was in a passive position.

"I put them in a safe place. If you can win against me, then you will get them back. If you lose, then you will return to the Throne of Hero and say goodbye."

Unlike before, his Ser-Veresta had been modified by him.

Not only did he combine it with the rare metals from the world of Tensura, but he also added the magma swords he got from the world of One Punch Man.

That combination created a new weapon that was capable of burning everything.

Frankly, wielding this weapon was like holding a volcano.

However, Tamazuki could focus this sword even further, creating even hotter heat, and he was going to do that.

The flame on his sword disappeared, and what was left was only a single katana, yet the heat didn't disappear. Instead, it had become even hotter as it depleted the moisture in an entire area, causing the air and the water to dry up.

Lancer was full of sweat, and he could feel all the moisture on his body starting to disappear as his skin became chirped and dry. Unlike Saber, Rider, Archer, Berserker, or even Assassins, Caster was on a different level, or was he the one who was weak?

It was like he was facing the sun!

The sun appeared right before him!

Facing this opponent, Lancer showed a deprecating smile and wondered whether he even had a chance to win, yet... how could he give up?

"OOOOOH!"

Lancer threw his Gae Dearg: Crimson Rose of Exorcism.

This spear was capable of rendering magical enhancements and projections useless by severing all ties with magical energy.

In other words, in front of this spear, all the magic attacks were useless.

But—

Tamazuki caught the spear with ease.

"....." Lancer.

Tamazuki then devoured the spear without hesitation as he used his "Shukuchi" to appear behind Lancer.

"—?!"

Lancer felt all of the hair on his body stand on their ends before he quickly turned, trying to block Tamazuki's attack, yet in front of this temperature, all the defense was meaningless.

Tamazuki's sword cut him down like butter.

"..."

As he died, Lancer wondered what kind of monster he faced, but his thought stopped as his being was devoured by Tamazuki.

At that moment, Tamazuki stopped his Ser-Veresta and used his [Balaam] to devour all the skills, abilities, experiences, and everything from Diarmuid before he transferred the energy from Diarmuid's body to the Lesser Grail.

Frankly, he could even summon the Grail now as long as he wanted to. After all, the prerequisite for one to summon the Holy Grail was to have enough energy. The energy to summon the Holy Grail was received from the seven Servants, but his energy was enough to summon it.

So, why should he waste his time?

Yet, he didn't do that.

Lancer was an easy opponent for him, especially when this guy's Noble Phantasm was rather lukewarm.

However, Gilgamesh was different.

Tamazuki needed to be serious when he faced this opponent, so until he took down Gilgamesh, he wouldn't summon the Holy Grail.

Yet, for Saber, Kayneth, Sola, Irisviel, and Scheherazade, who saw Tamazuki take down Lancer at ease, they could only gulp and think that the victory of the Holy Grail was already determined.

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No one could say anything since Lancer was beaten so easily!

Lancer wasn't weak.

Or rather, there was no doubt that he was one of the strongest.

If he wasn't strong, then how could he even wound Saber?

Yet, he was killed.

Lancer was easily killed and unable to do anything like a baby that was unable to do anything without its parents.

---

"Impossible! Impossible!"

"Lancer..."

Kayneth was unable to believe that Lancer lost so easily. Even though he didn't like Lancer, especially when this Servant of his often acted on his own or even seemed to have a good relationship with his wife, he didn't want to see his Servant lost like that!

Was Lancer weak?

No way!

Nevertheless, Sola's shock also wasn't much different from Kayneth's. Lancer's Love Spot made her fall for Lancer, but that curse vanished when Tamazuki appeared. However, there was no doubt that Lancer was her ally.

No, it was their ally!

Their weapon!

If they lost the Lancer, then how could they protect themselves?

Facing Tamazuki, who could kill Lancer with ease, how could they defeat this being?

Whether Kayneth and Sola panicked and wondered how they could stay alive, especially when they were already trapped in this space and unable to escape.

---

Still, unlike Kayneth and Sola, who were panicked, Irisviel and Scheherazade felt better.

Scheherazade felt happy since his strength gave her confidence that he could protect her and give her peace of mind. By his side was the safest place in this whole universe, and it was impossible for her to get away from him.

Irisviel also felt the same. She had already given up and given everything to Tamazuki. Moreover, if he was strong, then he should be able to protect her daughter. Her life was limited anyway, and she knew that her death was near, especially when the Lesser Grail was taken out from her body.

Irisviel could feel it, and that is why she didn't give herself to him, yet at the same time, she also felt quite reluctant.

'I wonder why...'

Nevertheless, she also felt guilty about her dead husband since she had forgotten him so soon.

'No, I didn't forget my husband!'

Her body might have been given to Tamazuki, but her heart was still for Kiritsugu.

Kiritsugu, I am sorry.

Irisiviel thought in her heart, but everything was for their daughter, so she could only be with Tamazuki.

As she thought so, she felt relief for some reason, as if she had made a good excuse for the mistake she had made.

Nevertheless, among the three of them, Saber was the one that shocked the most. She looked at her severed sinew that had recovered and became even more complex.

In the first battle of the Holy Grail, she was the one who faced Lancer, so she knew how strong this Servant was, yet Lancer was defeated so easily by Tamazuki.

Tamazuki also didn't use a dirty method or anything that tarnished the pride of the knight.

He only used one thing.

Overwhelming power.

It was like how he defeated her.

Well, his way of defeating her couldn't be said to be clean, but there was no doubt he was strong.

The proof was in front of her.

Frankly, if she wanted to, it should be possible for her to defeat Lancer, especially with her Noble Phantasm. Moreover, Tamazuki also returned her scabbard, allowing her to unseal her Excalibur.

With all of those things, if she wanted to, she could destroy this planet.

However, such a Noble Phantasm was impossible to do instantly, and it needed time, which was different from Tamazuki, who could use his powerful attacks in just a blink of eye.

Watching all of this, Saber should feel complex, especially when he was an enemy who had taken her down and Irisviel previously, yet strangely enough, she felt relief since she knew this Holy Grail was as good as his, and it felt good to rely on someone.

---

After he devoured Lancer, Tamazuki fell in silence as he tried to digest his yield. It was his first time devouring a Servant, and frankly, he wondered whether he could succeed since a Servant wasn't like any creatures that he had devoured.

While a Servant had a body that wasn't much different from a human, he knew that they were different.

If he had to say, their bodies were like a clump of Prana that was shaped into a creature.

Nevertheless, he succeeded, and he got everything from Lancer, including his two Noble Phantasms.

He could summon the two spears and apply the abilities of the two spears to his body, giving him a body that could nullify magic and also make him able to give a permanent wound to his opponent.

Those abilities were simple, but they were good.

Tamazuki felt satisfied with his harvest, and at the same time, he felt that he had done a good deed. His words might be weird, but if Lancer followed the original story, then what would happen to Lancer?

In the original, Lancer would commit suicide when his Master ordered him to do so. Even though his Master did so because he wanted to save his fiancee, it couldn't be denied that Lancer was betrayed once again by the master that he served.

Such a painful death where he cried black blood as he cursed everyone wasn't a good ending.

However, this time, it was different.

Tamazuki gave him a good ending; at least, Lancer wouldn't curse or cry in black blood as he stared at his Master in the hatred that was enough to reincarnate him into a vengeful spirit.

As he died, Lancer wouldn't curse his Master and only lamented that he didn't have enough strength.

Such an ending was a good ending for Lancer.

As Tamazuki thought that he was simply a gentleman, Saber suddenly raised her sword and reminded him in a loud voice. "Tamazuki! There are other enemies!"

Suddenly, the air in their surroundings started to change and became menacing and dangerous.

Moreover, around them, numerous numbers of black figures appeared one after another.

If they counted the numbers, they easily reached eighty in numbers!

"Assassin..."

Even though the opponent didn't say anything, Saber knew who her opponent was. Yet, she didn't expect that their numbers would be this much!

What went wrong with this Assassin?

All of the assassins walked toward them quietly, causing Saber to feel tense before she was startled when her shoulder was tapped.

"?!"

"Calm down."

"...don't do that so suddenly."

Saber almost had a heart attack when she was touched so suddenly during this critical moment.

"Leave this to Caster."

"...Caster?" Saber was dumbfounded. "Are you serious?"

However, Tamazuki didn't answer her and took out Scheherazade.

The moment Scheherazade came out, she was ready and used her Noble Phantasm without hesitation.

"Alf Layla wa-Layla."

At that moment, a bright radiance illuminated everything before it swallowed all of them.

All of them vanished without a trance, but soon, a flying chariot arrived at the place where the battle had just ended.

"...we're too late."

Riser and Waver looked at the area which was scorched by a hot temperature and their expression was heavy since who was this enemy?

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Saber was startled.

This was due to Scheherazade's Noble Phantasm.

Yes, this plump woman whose appearance was quite perverted had a strong Noble Phantasm.

As they served the same Masters, Saber naturally knew Scheherazade's identity; she thought that Scheherazade was weak, yet wasn't it normal? After all, Scheherazade was nothing but a narrator in the story.

This was also why Saber understood that Tamazuki had never expected Scheherazade to fight and fought by himself.

Moreover, he was strong, which made her wonder whether her help was needed.

Yet, Scheherazade was also strong!

Especially her Noble Phantasm.

At that moment, they were in space.

On top of them, dark spaces, stars, and various other things could be seen.

Watching all of them, everyone could only fall into a daze, especially when they were teleported into a sci-fi-like place, or... futuristic spaceship?

Saber, who was coming from an ancient time, was unable to understand anything.

"This... is this "Reality Marble?" Caster's Reality Marble is to create a sci-fi-like world?!"

Irisviel was shocked as they rotated around Earth.

Alf Layla wa-Layla.

It was Scheherazade's Noble Phantasm.

The use of this Noble Phantasm was real, and it was to turn fiction into a reality.

Frankly, if Scheherazade didn't have Tamazuki's energy, then it was impossible to do something like this.

Still, when she saw this creation, she also felt novel since she didn't expect that she could create the space.

With this, as long as someone gave her a threat, she could throw them out into space.

Let's see if they can stay alive or not in space.

Listening to the explanation of Scheherazade's Noble Phantasm through telepathy, Saber and Irisviel sucked a deep breath at the surreal situation around them.

Yet Scheherazade's Noble Phantasm wasn't the only thing that stunned them.

The act of a group of Assassins who kowtowed was something that stunned them the most!

"You all have decided?"

"Yes!"

None of the Assassins hesitated, and all of them had decided to serve Tamazuki, especially when they saw the reality before them.

Could they defeat space?

No way!

Even if they were the famous Hassan-i-Sabbah, they were just one of the leaders and weren't the first Hassan. Moreover, he also wasn't perfect, especially due to his personality troubles.

Nevertheless, even if the first Hassan appeared, Assassin didn't think that the first Hassan could do something to Tamazuki.

"Then, come here."

"Yes."

They deactivated their Noble Phantasm and became one.

A woman with long purple hair tied in a ponytail and a dark skin color appeared before him. She walked toward him before she was on her knees, waiting for his introduction.

Tamazuki held her hair and thought that a ponytail was a good hairstyle. Still, he didn't forget about his purpose and quickly cut the relationship between Assassin and the Master.

Then, he used "Degrenate" once again and made Assassin become his Servant. However, this wasn't over as he manipulated the mind of Assassin to become a perfect loyal servant and a weapon for him.

This is what Assassin sought after.

A perfect emotion.

Yet, what was the perfect emotion?

There was no perfect emotion in this world!

So, in the end, he manipulated the mind of the Assassin, so this Servant could only be loyal to him and worked as a perfect assassin and servant.

Initially, he might not have mind manipulation ability, but he devoured the "being" in the world of Saitama, and naturally, he got the ability of that being from a time manipulation, all presence, mind corrupting, and many others.

However, this was only a fragment of that being's ability, and he knew that being was still omnipotent as ever.

Still, this was enough to create a new emotion for Assassin, especially when this servant didn't have resistance and gave their everything to him.

Then, when everything was done, Tamazuki had three Servants by his side.

Caster, Saber, and Assassin.

All of them served under him.

"..."

Whether it was Saber, Irisviel, Kayneth, or Sola, they were numb.

Yes, Tamazuki also took out Kayneth and Sola, and the two of them had been in silence and never said anything, no matter what their situation was. After all, no matter what, they knew how disadvantaged their situation was, and if he wanted to, he could take their lives anytime.

Then, suddenly, Tamazuki put his attention on Kayneth and Sola.

"—?!"

Kayneth and Sola felt their hearts stopped at that moment.

Tamazuki glanced at Sola for a moment and knew that this woman triggered his system, but somehow he didn't have a particular interest in this woman. Moreover, this woman wasn't the main heroine. To be honest, with his power, the system didn't really have much help except for helping him to go to another world.

Yet, that was enough to make this system simply awesome!

Still, when they were gazed at by Tamazuki, somehow Kayneth gritted his teeth and said, "Please let her go. I will give you my life." Facing Saber, Caster, Assassin, and this mysterious Master, there was no way that they could escape, so he might as well ask for the the safety of his fiancee. Even though his fiancee was like that, without a doubt, he loved her.

"Kayneth..." Sola looked at her fiance with a complex and moving expression. In this helpless moment, her fiance was ready to give her life to him. In the beginning, she didn't like this marriage and even tried to escape by trying to love Lancer, letting herself be cursed by the "Love Spot," even though, as a "Mage," she could fully defend herself against that curse.

"No, just kill me and let Kayneth go."

"Sola..."

Kayneth couldn't believe what he had heard and was in tears hearing his fiancee's words, yet how could he?

"No, let me!"

"Let me!"

The two argued each other until their heads were knocked by Tamazuki.

"It hurts!" 2x

They wanted to glare, but they shut their mouths when they saw Tamazuki.

"Give me your hand."

Kayneth hesitated, but he gave his hand to Tamazuki.

Tamazuki took all the Command Spells from Kayneth's hands.

"..." Kayneth.

"Stay there. When everything is over, I will let you two go."

Hearing those words, Kayneth and Sola sighed in relief. As for the chance for Tamazuki to lie? If Tamazuki wanted to kill them, then he would directly kill them without saying anything.

"I didn't expect that you would let them go."

Irisviel was surprised since she didn't expect that he had this side. She thought that Tamazuki would kill the man and take down his wife. Yet, unexpectedly, he would let them go.

Watching this, she would be lying if she wasn't moved by his kindness.

Similarly, Scheherazade and Saber thought the same.

Since this decision meant he wasn't just someone bloodthirsty, and he still had a kindness inside his heart.

"..."

Tamazuki stared at Irisviel speechlessly, but then his expression changed,, and he said, "I will let them go, but I won't let you go."

"...eh?"

---

"....."

On the Tohsaka estate, Kirei and Tokiomi faced each other in silence. The two had been waiting for the news for Assassin since he came out to take down Assassin, but—

"...Assassin has been eliminated."

"...."

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The death of Assassin naturally surprised Kirei and Tokiomi, who had been waiting for the good news. Unexpectedly, Assassin was eliminated when it was trying to hunt down Caster.

"....."

Frankly, Tokiomi felt that Assassin was useless, especially since it died while unable to tell a single clue about Caster.

Even if you died, then you should tell us the information about Caster!

Tokiomi took a deep breath, trying to calm himself since being angry wasn't elegant, and it didn't fit his personality. However, the victor of this Holy Grail wouldn't change. Even if Caster was powerful enough to eliminate Assassin entirely, he didn't think that this Servant could defeat his Servant, Archer.

Moreover, it was a Caster.

It was one of the weakest classes on the Holy Grail.

If Caster wanted to defeat Assassin, then it might need to use its everything, and currently, it should be at its weakest period.

So, this Holy Grail was as good as his.

When his perception changed, Tokiomi also felt better, and somehow the loss of Assassin wasn't something bad.

"It's okay, Kirei. You don't need to worry."

Tokiomi thought that Kirei was depressed since Kirei had lost his Servant.

"Yes, teacher."

Kirei lowered his head as he held his palm, trying to hide the Command Spells that didn't disappear while feeling confused about why he was chosen again. He lost Assassin, but could he still continue?

What did the Holy Grail wish for him to do?

Yet, the words he exchanged with Acher suddenly echoed on his mind.

Tokiomi didn't notice this, but then, watching his student who was depressed, he thought to give him something to cheer him up.

"Now that you mention even since I have become your teacher, I have never given you a gift, right?"

"Teacher?"

Tokiomi's sudden magnanimous words startled Kirei.

However, Tokiomi only smiled as he picked up the thin, long black box in the corner of the room.

When Tokiomi left, Kirei also hid the Command Spells on the back of his hand with his simple "Magecraft." It was only for a moment, so Tokiomi didn't notice it and returned with the box.

"Open it and see. This is my personal gift to you."

Kirie opened the box.

The velvet-line interior neatly lays an exquisite dagger.

"This is—

"The Azoth dagger. It has been meticulously crafted from heirloom jewels. After it is filed with prana, it can be used as a Mystic Code. You have learned and practiced the ways of the Tohsaka magecraft; use this as the proof of your graduation."

"...."

Kirei held the dagger in his hand and examined it carefully. His gaze fell upon the sharp knife edge and, for a long time, did not move away.

Kirei's face, devoid of expression, must have seemed full of gratitude from Tokiomi's perspective.

"My benefactor... I will truly never be able to repay your great care or live up to your expectations."

"To me, you are the best reward, Kotomine Kirei. With this, I can set forth for the final, decisive battle with no regrets."

Tokiomi said with a clear smile, then got up from the sofa.

Kirei believed that moment to be an arrangement of fate.

If one were to say that it had been a mere congregation of coincidences, then how could it have been that Tohsaka Tokiomi chose precisely that time and place to provide Kotomine Kirei with that dagger in the form of a gift? Was it all not an indication of inevitability?

"I am truly sorry to have delayed you for so long—"

—Now Tokiomi was facing the direction of the guestroom exit, completely defenseless with his back to Kirei. Could this be a coincidence as well?

"No, you do not need to worry, teacher."

—Or could it be said that this was inevitable, that this was fate? That no matter how much he could have prayed or hoped, everything would have eventually been drawn toward the abyss of betrayal?

Kirei began to laugh loudly, a laugh more cheerful than ever.

"I am happy that I can stay here."

Not even Kirei himself knew he could laugh so heartily. Moreover, the dagger in his hand struck the defenseless back in front of him.

"...ah?"

The Azoth dagger that had been a proof of love and trust slipped between ribs to directly pierce Tokiomi's heart. This one strike by an Executor who had experienced countless battles could be said to be deathly precise. There was no intention of murder, and there was no sign of it. Perhaps even Tokiomi, who had been stabbed, could not understand the significance of this wave of pain in his chest for a brief moment.

Tokiomi staggered forward. Turning his head, he saw only Kirei, smiling brightly, his hands stained with fresh blood—but there was never the slightest indication of understanding in Tokiomi's eyes even till the end. With only a dazed expression devoid of anger, he collapsed onto the carpet.

In his final moments, his magus must have stubbornly believed his own understanding to be accurate and refused to accept the real truth. Unerringly believing in the path he had chosen, moving forward without the slightest hesitation every time—what a man, to not wake to the truth even after having fallen into an endless abyss.

A sparking aura suddenly surged beside Tokiomi's rapidly cooling corpse. Shining with radiant light, the golden Servant materialized in front of Kiri.

"Hn, what a disappointing ending."

A condescending expression seeped out of those red pupils. Archer nudged the corpse of his former Master with the tip of his foot.

"I was anticipating he would make a last retaliation before death. Look at his expression. Completely at a loss. He wasn't aware of his own stupidity even till the end."

"That being his Sevant was in spirit form at his side. It was not illogical for him to let his guard down."

Haring Kirei's quip, Archer began to laugh loudly.

"Already, you have learned to make jokes? Kirei, your progress is truly great."

With a serious expression, Kirei asked Acher.

"You really have no qualms about this, Gilgamesh, King of Heroes?"

"Only until I grow tired of you. Once you cease to be interesting, you will meet the same fate as this carcass lying here. If there is anyone here who should be coming to a realization, it is you by right."

The reply was extremely sharp, but Kriei showed no sign of wavering and nodded.

Indeed, he could not entrust his life to such a dangerous character. It could be said that this was a deal with the devil. A domineering and violent Sevant with neither morality nor loyalty, whose interests were difficult to judge.

But—precisely because of this, they were a perfect match.

Those at the pinnacle of morality had not brought Kirei the rest of the answer, it was this Heroic Spirit, who was completely at odds with morality, who could become the goal for which Kirei would fight from now on.

Kirei rolled up one sleeve, revealing the COmmand Spells on his arm, and chanted solemnly.

"Let thy body rest under my dominion; let my fate rest in thy blade. If thou submittest to the call of the Holy Grail, and if thou wilt obey this mind, this reason, they thou shalt respond—"

"I so swear. Thy offering shalt be my flesh and blood. Kotoromine Kirei, my new Master."

Prana supply opened the moment the contract was completed. The Command Spells on his left hand, functional once again, glowed anew, accompanied by a burst of pain.

The pact was ended, and so the strongest, most wicked team involved in the fight for the Holy Grail—here, under conditions unknown to all others—was born.

"So shall we begin, Kirei? You shall command and draw open the curtains to this farce. As your meager prize, I will grant you the Grail."

"No problem. King of Heroes, you will certainly also draw pleasure from this. Before you find the answer you anticipate, enjoy the jubilation of this battle to your heart's content."

The gazes from the red pupils filled with a delighted light, and the black pupils immersed in gratitude intertwined with each other.

Yet—

Aoi Tohsaka closed her mouth tightly with her two hands, breathing haggard as she was in tears, watching the collapse of her husband.

___-_____________________-_____________________-___________-______________________-_____________________-___________

Tanuki Rise of the Yokai Clan Chapter 292 I have a stepdaughter | Patreon

What should I do? What should I do? What should I do?

Aoi didn't know what to do as her head was a mess and she cried watching the death of her husband.

If she didn't have the crystal ball given by Tamazuki, then she wouldn't know all of this!

Yet, she knew all of this.

Her husband was killed by his disciple, and his Servant also betrayed him.

Kirei and Gilgamesh had worked together and betrayed her husband!

Yet... what should she do?

She was filled with fear, sadness, terror, and also hatred.

She knew that as they had killed her husband, it was impossible for them to let her go and even her daughter. There was a huge chance that they would target her and her family.

"Tamazuki..."

Suddenly, she thought of someone who could help her, but could he?

Facing a Servant, whose might could even destroy a city or two, could he do something?

Yet... she didn't have anyone to rely on except for him!

Her mind was a mess, and at the same time, how she wished to kill Gilgamesh and Kirei, bringing them into despair.

Clenching her firsts tightly until blood seeped out, Aoi made up her mind. She walked out of her room and went to her daughter's room. There she saw her daughter sleeping so soundly without realizing anything.

"..."

Watching her daughter's expression, Aoi hesitated, but she knew that this was necessary to protect her daughter. As she made up her mind, her daughter seemed to wake up.

"...mom?"

Rin was confused as she looked at her mother. She was still sleepy and wondering whether she was still in a dream.

"Rin, we have to go. Prepare your luggage."

"Huh?"

Rin was confused.

While Aoi was in a hurry, she still comforted her daughter dearly as she stroked her cute face. "Rin, prepare your luggage as soon as possible. We have to go now."

Rin wasn't a stupid child, and she knew that something must be happening.

If there was a reason why they would leave tonight so suddenly, then—

Rin's expression turned pale, and her eyes were moist.

"Rin..."

Aoi realized that her daughter must have realized everything. Watching her daughter's tears, her heart was also shaken since she was also in extreme sadness when she saw the death of her husband, yet she was unable to do anything.

However... however... to protect her daughter, she would do anything!

"Follow Mom."

"Yes."

The mother and daughter didn't waste their time and prepared all the luggage as soon as possible before they left without bringing the car.

The two were holding hands, walking under the midnight and street lamps in silence and tension.

"...mom, where are we going?"

Where were they going?

"We're going to go to Tamazuki."

"Huh? Sensei?" Rin was surprised.

While he was gone, she still faithfully held the book given to her and learned martial art from him.

Yet, her mother had said that he had gone, so she thought that she couldn't meet him, yet her mother told her that she was going to visit him now.

In the middle of the night?

"He is the only one that I can trust."

There was no other person that she could trust except for him, and he was the only person that she could rely on.

While she knew that it might be wrong to do this, she knew that he loved her body, and it was a low price if her body could be used to protect the two of them.

It would have been even greater if he could have killed Kirei and Gilgamesh, but she knew that she had to be realistic.

The only thing that she wished, for now, was the safety of her daughter.

As for her life?

Aoi don't care about that now.

"Mom, don't leave me, okay..."

Aoi stopped her steps and looked at her daughter. Her eyes were in tears before she hugged him tightly, realizing what kind of stupid action she might do.

"I am sorry, Rin... We will be together. I won't leave you."

"Um..."

Rin hugged her mother tightly as she sobbed silently.

The two hugged for a moment before continuing as they continued to walk in a certain direction.

The scene of a mother and a daughter walking step by step with a big suitcase would attract the attention of the people in this city. Fortunately, it was midnight, and there were no people around them. Everything was quiet and strangely eerie, but it was a normal thing since Kiritsugu had just terrorized this city a few days ago. Even though the police had said that they had sent capital punishment to this terrorist, everyone was still in a paranoia state, afraid that Kiritsugu might have a companion inside the city.

If they walked out in the middle of the night and suddenly met this companion, then what should they do?

It was why almost no people or even vehicles could be seen on this street.

Yet, it was fortunate for the two of them since they would attract attention.

As they walked, Rin never said anything and just followed her mother faithfully. She never questioned how her mother knew where Tamazuki was living, but her mother seemed to know more, yet it didn't matter since what she was worried about was what had happened to her father.

Rin knew that something must have happened to her father, but who?

Who had caused a disaster for her father?

As she was in deep thought, a hateful figure suddenly emerged in her mind.

'Kirei?'

Rin shook her head since she knew that even though Kirie was hateful, he was still her father's disciple, so it was impossible for Kirei to do something to her father.

As she was caught in her thoughts, she looked up when her mother suddenly stopped.

"...is this where Sensei lives?"

Rin looked at the single house that wasn't much different from the surroundings, yet strangely, it appeared better and gave a better mood for anyone who stepped in.

Rin became curious, but Aoi had been rather quiet.

"...yes."

Aoi didn't hesitate to step in and press the bell of her room, feeling uneasy, waiting for him.

Then, it didn't take a long time before the door opened.

"Aoi-san? Rin-chan?"

Rin was about to greet Tamazuki, but Aoi suddenly hugged Tamazuki and cried, feeling at ease when he was by her side.

"Tamazuki..."

"Wait! Wait! Aoi-san!"

"...."

Rin blinked her eyes as she looked at her mother and hugged Tamazuki tightly.

Tamazuki wanted to ask something, but Aoi kept crying, and Rin stared at him blankly. While he felt speechless, he knew there was something that he needed to do.

"Anyway, let's come in first. We can talk inside."

Even if he didn't know what was happening, he knew that it was better to let them enter first.

After all, if his neighbors saw him holding a married woman in his arms with a little child by his side, what would they think?

Nevertheless, he had a feeling he would get the Holy Grail soon.

Tanuki Rise of the Yokai Clan Chapter 293 Irisviel might forget her husband | Patreon

Still, while he didn't know what was happening, Tamazuki somehow could tell why Aoi and Rin came in the middle of the night like this.

Or rather, there was only one reason why they came.

There must be something happening to Tohsaka Tokiomi.

While Aoi wanted to say something, Tamazuki said, "You two should rest first. We can talk in the morning. You don't need to worry. No matter what, I will protect you two." When he saw the hesitation on Aoi's face, he said, "Think about Rin-chan. She came here in the middle of the night, and you didn't even tell her the reason, right? You need to have a good rest with your daughter first. If you are worried, I can stay outside of the room."

"Tamazuki..."

Aoi looked at Tamazuki and was moved by his words before she looked at her daughter. From the beginning to the end, she didn't say what was happening and why they should leave their house so suddenly in the middle of the night.

Yet, how could she be?

Could she tell her that her father had passed away?

Could she tell her that her father was killed by his disciple and his Servant?

No way!

However, she knew that she needed to be strong since, as a mother, this was the one thing that she needed to do.

"Thank you."

"No problem. You can sleep in this room."

Tamazuki guided them into the room and helped them with their luggage. He was sure that it was a tough night for the two of them, so he didn't want to aggravate them any longer. He also didn't enter their room to accompany them, giving time for a mother and a daughter to be together.

Inside the room, Rin and Aoi felt at ease for some reason, especially when they knew Tamazuki was on the outside, waiting for them.

"Rin, how about we sleep together?"

"Un."

They lay on the bed together after changing into their pajamas and fell into a quiet night.

"Mom."

"Hmm?"

"You haven't slept yet?"

"You haven't slept either, Rin?"

"Not yet." Rin turned her head and looked at her mother. "Mom."

"Hmm?"

"I will become a respectable head of the Tohsaka clan like my father."

Rin might be a child, but her determination would put any adults in shame.

Watching her daughter's innocence yet filled with determined words, Aoi blinked her eyes before she hugged her daughter tightly. "Then, mom will help you."

"No, I will protect Mother! With Sensei too!"

"....."

Aoi looked at her daughter weirdly, but she nodded, feeling at ease with her daughter and Tamazuki around.

"Mom believes in Rin."

---

When the mother and daughter slept, Tamazuki returned to the world of shadows where everyone was waiting.

"Tohsaka Tokiomi was killed?"

"It seemed he was betrayed by his student and Servant."

"....."

Saber was at a loss, then frowned, thinking about the golden servant with disdain since that guy had betrayed his master.

Only Irisviel looked at Saber silently with a helpless smile.

Did Saber betray her master?

No, Saber was simply unable to do anything since they were defeated thoroughly.

Nevertheless, all of them understood why Aoi and Rin came to his house. After all, except for Tamazuki, who could they trust in this world? It was normal for them to rely on Tamazuki.

Still, watching Tamazuki, who was gentle with Aoi and Rin, Irisviel was at ease since it meant if she brought her daughter, he wouldn't mind either.

Frankly, Tamazuki didn't expect that he would become a stepfather, but it might be the price to take down a married man, and this price? He was willing to bear it.

"Then, should we take down Archer?" Saber asked. Avalon was returned to her, and if she wanted to, she could open the seal of the Excalibur.

By then, who could defeat her?

"No, let's take Archer later. I plan to take down the Berserker first."

"Berserker?" Saber raised her brow and thought about the black Servant who suddenly attacked her like a madman. While she wasn't sure why that Servant did that, she would be lying if she didn't feel angry.

Meanwhile, Scheherazade glanced at Saber without saying anything before she looked at Tamazuki.

Was this his bad hobby?

Why did he plan to meet Saber and Berserker?

Though Scheherazade would be lying if she wasn't curious about what would happen when Saber met each other.

If Saber was still in the past like before, Scheherazade didn't doubt that Saber would be in a mess as she was caught in her guilt, thinking that the fall of England was her fault, yet she was different now, especially under Tamazuki's influence.

Who was at fault?

There was no doubt it was the noble, also the knight, who betrayed her by sleeping with her queen, and also her queen, who let herself be seduced by a mere knight.

Nevertheless, such a problem wasn't something that should be talked about now since tamazuki had something to do.

"How do you feel, Irisviel?"

"Ah?" Irisviel was confused. "What do you mean?"

Tamazuki approached Irisviel, who sat on the sofa quietly without moving, and held her hand to check her condition.

"Tamazuki, what happens to Irisviel?" Saber was confused.

"Her age is about to end soon."

"..."

Saber blinked her eyes and kept staring at Tamazuki, hoping that he was joking, but he wasn't. She then looked at Irisviel, who showed an awkward smile.

"Irisviel..."

"Sorry, Saber..."

"No... no... why should you say sorry?!"

There was no need for Irisviel to apologize, but... but...

Saber felt that her heart arched since there were many things that her previous Master and Irisivel had never told her. While she knew that they were strangers that had only met each other under the Holy Grail, she had vowed to serve them as a knight, yet it seemed wasn't the case with them.

While Saber was caught in her sadness, Tamazuki didn't say anything and used the new development of his ability that he got from Irisviel.

Immorality.

He used it on Irisviel with the help of Ava, and as expected, Irisviel's vitality deteriorated at the speed visible to his eyes and recovered at the fastest speed. By now, as long as he was around, Irisviel was simply immortal.

"Well, that matter is solved now."

"Eh?" 2x

Suddenly, Saber and Irisviel let out a strange noise as they looked at Tamazuki with doubt.

"Irisviel's problem has been erased, and she can live well now. You don't need to worry."

Saber and Irisviel wondered what they should say at this moment.

Wow, amazing!

Should they say that?

Yet, they couldn't since they were caught in sadness as they thought Irisviel would die soon, but Tamazuki told them that their problem was solved.

"You are my woman, after all. How could I let you die, Irisviel?"

Tamazuki gently caressed Irisviel's pale and soft cheek. Still, because of this, he could be relieved, knowing that he could take care of Shizu's problem.

"..."

Irisviel blinked her eyes and felt afraid that she might forget her husband soon.

"Well, I have helped you. Shouldn't you give me a reward?"

"...."

Looking at his cheeky smile, Irisviel let out a helpless sigh before she pulled him into their room, ready to give him a reward for his hard work.

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Tanuki Rise of the Yokai Clan Chapter 294 Rider: "Let's get an atomic bomb" | Patreon

"Weird! It's weird!"

"What's wrong? Why do you keep saying that?"

The huge figure, Iskandar, looked at the small figure of his Master, who seemed to be panicked.

Waver Velvet had always been like this after he saw the aftermath of the battle on the outskirts of the town. He had always felt something weird was happening, and it must be related to the mysterious Caster.

After all, Waver had seen all the Servants on this Holy Grail, and the only one that he hadn't seen was Caster.

Caster was extremely elusive.

Not only was it impossible to find him; even now, no one knew the appearance of this Servant.

Yet, there was no doubt that this Servant was dangerous, and if Waver wasn't wrong, then Lancer, the Servant that was summoned by his lecturer, Kayneth, and could wound Saber, was defeated.

Yet, how?

Lancer definitely wasn't weak, but from that battle... even if Waver didn't want to admit it, Lancer must have been defeated without being able to do anything.

The only remains and traces of their battle were just the scorched earth.

Yet, even if the earth scorched, it didn't leave any heat, which made him wonder whether the battle had ended a few days ago, but he knew that it was impossible.

In other words, Caster should be someone with an extremely deep mastery over a fire.

'Fire...'

Naturally, this was the most common element, and it could be seen anywhere.

It was also the most important thing that humankind had found.

So, what kind of Servant could represent a fire and could become a Caster class?

Waver had a hard time imagining since there should be many figures that were related to a fire, or even worse... it might not be a human. Instead, it might be a god.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Iskandar looked at his master weirdly.

Even Iskandar was the descendant of Zeus, so it wouldn't be weird for a god to appear, right?

If that was the case, then this Holy Grail would be difficult.

Moreover, Saber...

With the life of Kiritsugu gone, and the disappearance of Saber and Irisviel, Waver was afraid that everything had something to do with Caster.

"Say, Riser... can I ask you something?"

"Finally, you want to talk with me instead of murmuring like you have become a fool."

"I am not a fool!" Waver was angry before he sighed, feeling pointless for getting angry at Rider.

"So, what do you want to talk about?" Iskandar asked as he looked at his master curiously.

"Do you... do you think that you can defeat a god?"

"Haaa...?" Iskandar looked at his master weirdly as if saying, "What are you talking about?"

"Listen to me carefully!"

Waver was furious, but he explained his conjecture and his understanding of what kind of enemy they might face, and this enemy was extremely dangerous as it might have taken down Saber and Lancer.

"Hmm... I see." Iskandar nodded. "So you think the identity of this Caster is a God?"

"Yes." Waver nodded, then explained. "There are many gods that are related to fire, right? Like Ra, Agni, even in your country, there is a god of fire like Hephaestus."

However, suddenly, Iskandar laughed heartily.

"..."

Waver blinked his eyes, feeling confused, as Iskandar suddenly laughed when he explained how serious their situation was.

"Why did you laugh?! Have you gone crazy?!"

"Hahaha... if that's the case, then you don't need to worry."

Waver frowned and asked, "Did you have confidence in your strength?" Well, he knew that Iskandar wasn't weak and strong, so he thought that Iskandar should be confident.

"Of course!" Iskandar replied loudly. "Especially against a god who doesn't even dare to face me and meet me. I am not afraid of such a cowardly god! If God appears, this Iskandar will slay it down!"

There was no doubt in his voice.

Even if his opponent was a god, there was no fear in Iskandar's voice.

Instead, Iskandar was more excited as he thought that he might be able to meet a god.

"Hmm... or should I recruit him into my army? If I have a god in my army, then my army will be invincible! Then this world will be conquered by me!"

Iskandar then laughed once again as if feeling happy with the idea that he had thought.

However, Waver was so speechless without being able to say anything.

"YOU IDIOT! HOW CAN YOU BE CARELESS?!

"Also, what kind of an idiot will invite a god into their army?!"

Waver felt that this servant of his had become dumb!

"But boy, if I have a god in my army, then my army will be invincible."

"Then, do you think that god will accept your invitation?!"

"Well, enough of this matters. If we really meet this Caster, the only way we can do is to fight. You don't need to worry. I still have my Noble Phantasm."

"Noble Phantasm..." Waver murmured as he thought of Diarmuid's two lances. "So, is your Noble Phantasm powerful?" He was curious.

"Well, one of them is the bulls that we often use."

"Oh..."

"Of course, there is more."

"There is more?"

"Yeah, if I use this, I believe that no one will be my opponent."

With this Noble Phantasm, whether it was Lancer or Saber, Iskandar didn't think they could stay alive.

While Waver was in doubt, he didn't question Iskandar and decided to believe in him.

"But it is such a shame that Saber has been defeated..."

Iskandar sighed.

"Why so? Isn't it great for the strongest Servant to be eliminated early?"

"You fool! This is a rare chance where many kings from various times can be gathered together! There is no such chance in the future! Don't you want to set up an event where the kings gather together and talk about their views? I want to do such a thing! The King of Knights! Also, that golden servant! I want to know what they want to do with the Holy Grail."

Waver fell in silence since he could imagine how grand such a talk would be when many famous kings from various eras gathered together.

"Unfortunately...." 2x

The golden servant aside, the master of Saber, was already eliminated.

As for Irisviel and Saber?

They hadn't seen their figures in the Einzbern castle, and with Saber's character, it should be impossible for her to hide, so even if they felt shame, the only answer was that they must be defeated.

Nevertheless, even if Iskandar appeared carefree, he knew that Caster was a fearsome opponent, especially when Caster was capable of defeating Lancer instantly. Even if Caster was using the Noble Phantasm, it didn't change the fact that Lancer had been defeated.

As for why Caster didn't appear and quickly hid, it might be because Caster wished to eliminate all of the Servants one by one.

This was the most troublesome opponent, but for one thing, Iskandar knew that Caster would come sooner or later.

'Come.'

Iskandar wasn't afraid. Instead, he was ready for the battle that would be initiated by Caster, so before that, he was going to learn more about this world superpower and, if possible, get his hands on their weapons, such as... an atomic bomb?

Either way, before they met Caster, the life of the Master and the Servant were pretty peaceful.

Tanuki Rise of the Yokai Clan Chapter 295 A piece of trash | Patreon

Matou Kariya had fallen into a pitch-black dream.

He could see nothing.

He could hear nothing.

Only his skin could feel the shockingly dense pressure of the darkness.

Where is this—here seemed to be inside someone's body.

Therefore, Kariya asked the darkness—who are you?

As if with suffocating pressure, the darkness rumbled low. Like the angry roars of stormy winds, like the sky had fallen and the earth had cracked.

"I am—

The alienated—

The ridiculed—

The despised—

The dense black shadow that moved within the darkness was like a human shape poised to attack.

The bones and skull were immersed in the pitch-darkness.

A pair of bright eyes was even more terrible than the darkness.

Berseker—the manifestation of Matou Karia's curse, no, the Servant his hatred had called from the end of time.

"No need to praise my name—

No need to envy my body—

I am the shadow under the radiance of heroic spirits—

Birth of the darkness of glorious legend—"

Like a miasma that rose forth from underground, the sound of sighs of hatred wrapped around Kariya from every direction.

Kariya began to feel uneasy; just as he was about to run his gaze, the city touch of metal gauntlet gradually neared, catching mercilessly on Kariya's clothes.

This was Kariya's thin body lifted into midair before Berserker's eyes—he was fixed in a position where he could not but meet that crazed gaze.

"And so—

I hate—

I resent—

Nourished by the sighs of the people precipitated within the darkness, people that curse the light—"

"...."

Kariya struggled against the gauntlets mercilessly locked around his throat, groaning in pain. In his eyes, yet another indistinct and confused scene appeared.

A sword singing bright light, and holding onto the hilt, a radiant young warrior.

This person is no stranger to Kariya.

That was the Einsberns' Servant, Saber.

"This is my disgrace—

Because of her unsullied glory, I must forever be belittled—"

The Black Knight's helmet cracked apart.

The face revealed was shrouded in darkness, but that pair of fiery eyes, and the teeth trembling from hunger, could be clearly seen.

"You are the sacrifice—"

He pronounced coldly, embracing Kariya without another word, coldly flashing sharp teeth piercing into his jugular.

Kariya screamed in agony.

But this scream could not move the other. The berserk Black Knight sucked at the blood seeping from Kariya's throat and swallowed heavily.

"Good, give me more—

Your blood and flesh, your life—

Let them ignite my hatred—!!"

No...

Stop...

Save me!

Kariya used all the words he could think of to beg forgiveness, hoping there would be someone to extend a helping hand, but in this darkness, it was impossible for him to obtain salvation.

A miasma of red flashed intermittently before his eyes, consciousness confounded by pain and fear gradually becoming foggy.

But he still squeezed out the last remaining bit of strength and cried out in his loudest voice.

---

—Waking with a pained cry, he was still within the darkness.

But even thus, the stench of rotting given out by the ice-cold and damp air, as well as the hair-raising sound emitted by thousands of words crawling, still told him clearly—this was, without question, the real world.

"....."

The dream of just now, compared to reality, exactly which would seem more merciful to Kariya—

At least, from the one fact of being able to forget that this body was about to die, perhaps remaining in the world of nightmares would be happier.

By exactly what miracle he had burnt and had fallen from the rooftop of a building had been saved, and how he had returned to the underground worm storage of the Matou residence again alive was now impossible to understand through his memory alone.

His limbs felt dulled, but he knew that he was chained to a wall, his hands shackled. He could not stand on his own feet; his shoulders, supporting the weight of his entire body, hurt as if they were about to be torn from their sockets. But compared to the itch of the worms covering his body, it was not even worth mentioning.

The worms licked at burnt skin, and under that skin was new skin colored pink. It looked as if the burns were currently healing—though the reason was unknown.

It looked as if the Crest Worms intended to use Kariya's body as a seedbed to extend his life. But this was completely useless. In order to re-grow the skin, prana had already been forcibly consumed; the few days of life left in Kariiya's body were almost about to dry up. He could clearly feel that even the simple action of drawing breath and then expelling it was depleting his strength.

Very soon, he would die.

At the same time, he understood that he was absolutely unable to put up resistance; Aoi and Sakura's faces were constantly flashing in his mind.

He once vowed to save them with his life as the price... but in the end, his wish had not been fulfilled. This disgrace and shame tortured Kariya's heart even more than the pain in his body.

Remembering the faces of the people he loved, but immediately after, the indifferent expression of Tohsaka Toikomi and the sneer of Matou Zouken invaded his heart, pressed onto him until he could not breathe.

"Bastard..."

From the depths of his dry throat, Kariya cursed angrily with all the strength he had left.

"Bastard... bastard, bastard."

The sound of his sobs was suddenly muffled by a sound of pleasured laughter that came from behind him.

The worms scurried to avoid the elderly and a small silhouette propped up by a crutch and slowly walking closer to Kariya. It was none other than precisely the object of Kariya's hatred, Matou Zouken.

"Ah, Kariya, you are really quite pitiful like this."

The elderly magus used his crutch to poke at Kariya's jaw, forcing him to lift his head. Kariya no longer had the strength to rail at him but nevertheless used his remaining right eye to glare at the other with hatred and murderous intent. Just looking at his opponent had already exhausted him.

"Don't get it wrong. I am not reprimanding you in any way. I am happy that you still have a fighting spirit within you, and because of that, I will pass on to you the "trump card" I have secreted away for this day, come on—"

Zoken's crutch suddenly pushed at the hollow of Kariya's throat, forcing him to open his mouth. Immediately after, it moved upward like a mouse and was fiercely stabbed into Kariya's mouth.

"Ah, uu...!?"

Kariya fainted from the pain. The words followed the cavity of his mouth and mercilessly invaded his gullet, finally arriving within the spasming abdomen. Now, even if he had wanted to vomit, he could not; it was already too late.

After which, as if a red-hot block of metal had been placed into his stomach, an intense burning sensation grilled Kariya's body from the inside.

"Uu... ah!?"

Kariya began to struggle in agony; the cuffs on his hands jangled. The blood, which seemed to have stagnated, now boiled, ran away, and his heart also pounded crazily, almost to the point of breaking apart.

It was a piece of concentrated prana. The Crest Worms within Kariya's body, which had temporarily regained vitality, began to move again. The mock Prana circuits of Kariya's entire body also started to pule like never before, and his limbs were beginning to feel pain as if they were being torn apart, but this also meant that Kariya's numb arms and legs could feel again.

Seeing the "trump card" take effect, Zouken jeered loudly.

"Huhuhuhu, this does have an immediate result.

Do you know? That piece of Prana you swallowed just now came from a Lust Worm. The one that first absorbed Sakura's innocence. How about that, Kariya? The vitality of a young girl, absorbed continuously over the—"

Before Zouken finished, suddenly, his entire body was swallowed.

"..."

Kariya, who had been sobbing, watching Zouken in hatred as he thought about the torture Sakura had gone through, opened his eyes wide when he saw several figures suddenly appear.

Yet, in that moment—

A malevolent figure with pure darkness appeared once again in this dirty dungeon.

"ARTHUURRR....!!!"

___-_____________________-_____________________-________-______________________-_____________________-___________

Tanuki Rise of the Yokai Clan Chapter 296 There is no salvation for treacherous | Patreon

Even Tamazuki was unable to listen any longer and swallowed Matou Zouken whole even though he felt disgusted, but compared to "being" in the One Punch Man world... somehow Zouken was better?

Nevertheless, Saber, who also came out with Tamazuki, frowned, feeling extremely disgusted by this place as it was covered in crawling disgusting worms.

Still, the two noticed a figure in the corner.

In the corner, a figure could be seen, lying weakly on the ground as his body spasmed uncontrollably as if he was in great pain.

Yet, even with such a miserable appearance, he seemed... happy?

Suddenly, however, a shrill voice filled with hatred aimed at Saber.

"ARTHUURRR....!!!"

The armored figure was surrounded by hatred and evil as his entire body was corroded, staring at Saber.

Saber frowned and raised her sword while wondering why this Servant had such a big hatred toward her.

Tamazuki knew that Zouken hadn't fully died, but he could take care of that old worm later since he thought he needed to face Berserker first. He looked at Saber and asked, "Saber, don't you know him?"

"...I don't know." Saber shook her head since she had never seen someone like this.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Yet, the blackened Servant was like a wild beast. Even if there was nothing on his hands, he approached Saber crazily, ready to fight him.

Facing this attack, Saber was at ease, and she didn't think that she would lose, especially when all of her statuses were enhanced due to Tamazuki's Prana.

At the time of their confrontation, there was no resistance.

Berserker, who moved like a wild beast, was blasted and slammed into the wall of the dungeon, causing the entire foundation of the mansion to shake as if being hit by an earthquake.

"Arthur....!!!"

Even so, Berserker was still staring at her with such hatred. Even if his head was covered in a helmet, his eyes, which could be seen through the gap of the helmet, were staring menacingly and obsessively at Saber's visage.

Yet, Saber didn't seem to realize the identity of this Servant. However, she might not care about him as she only wanted to leave this place as soon as possible.

Still, if it was on the original, she might feel doubt about who this Servant was, especially when she was targeted several times.

Nevertheless, at the end of the original story, she realizes the identity of the Berserker, but it doesn't change her decision and slay this Servant.

However, Tamazuki knew that facing Saber, Berserker had never been serious.

Even if Berserker lost his mind, he would never raise his sword against his King.

Especially when Berserker never summoned his Noble Phantasm, Arondight.

Saber was about to end this Servant, but she was stopped.

"Tamazuki?"

"Let me end him, Saber."

Saber raised her brow. "But if you do so, then I am afraid that I haven't done anything for you." As a Servant, she felt that she was the one who was being taken care of by her Master instead of otherwise.

"It's okay. It's too cheap if you are the one who kills him. Instead, it should be more painful for him to be killed by him instead of you."

"...is it only me, or do you hate this Servant so much?"

"Oh, I hate him so much."

"Why?"

"Because this person had caused so much pain for you."

"....."

Saber blinked her eyes before she connected the dots of her doubt. She quickly realized the identity of this blackened knight, and she couldn't help but cast a doubted yet complicated gaze.

"...Lancelot?"

This time, Berserker, or Lancelot, seemed to be in silence, hearing his name being called by his King.

Under Saber's order, Lancelot was a brave and handsome knight admired by thousands of people.

Yet now?

What was he?

Lancelot had become mad, crazy, and ugly.

As Tamazuki had said before, there was no good ending for a knight who had betrayed his Lord.

A knight was just someone who was being paid and given glory due to the tradition, yet when that knight was betrayed, then they should prepare for the consequence as their position was nothing but was given by their Lord.

When Lancelot became the knight under Arturia, he was given everything and even had the body of the wife of his King; he enjoyed his life much, yet when his action was known, he should be prepared for the price of his action.

"Even a god is better than you since it has never bitten the Master who has taken care of it, yet you? Not only have you caused the destruction of her kingdom and even ran away from the woman who had entered her everything to you; before appearing once again in front of her, asking her to kill you as if asking for salvation.

"I have never seen someone as shameless as you!"

Except for himself, of course.

After all, Tamazuki knew that he wasn't someone good either, but he wouldn't abandon his woman like this woman.

"If I am in your place, I might as well commit suicide due to shame!"

"ARGGHHH! ARGGGHHH!"

Berserker was screaming as if in pain.

Tamazuki's words were like a sharp lance that stabbed into his body.

Tamazuki was correct.

What did Berserker want to do?

Didn't Berserker just want to have salvation from the King that he had betrayed?

Wishing her to kill him with her hands for what he had done?

If so, then why should he run away in the first place, even abandoning the woman that she loved?

In front of Arturia, Berserker should just commit suicide, yet—

His head was beheaded by Tamazuki.

His eyes widened as his head slid down from his neck.

If he could have a chance to return alive once again, he would scream, 'How dirty!'

Yet, against this treacherous knight, who cares about the method of killing?

Tamazuki killed Berserker and devoured him.

Tamazuki devoured Berserker without mercy and swallowed everything, including his Noble Phantasm.

In his hand, he summoned the legendary sword, Arondight in his hand.

Unlike Arturia's Excalibur, which had a golden color, Arondight was dark like a night.

"He died?"

Tamazuki turned and looked at Saber, who had a complicated expression on her face.

"You okay?"

"Yes." Saber nodded before she sighed and shook her head. Her trust in someone was something that couldn't be gained that easily, so when she trusted someone, she would give her everything. Naturally, when she was betrayed, it hurt her.

However, this was over.

Tamazuki burnt all the worms in this dungeon before he hugged her, so she could calm down.

"...I am not weak."

Saber showed resistance.

"I am the weak one. I am afraid of the worms."

"..."

Saber was speechless, but she didn't push him this time and hugged him. "Then... I will hug you."

"Thanks."

"...no, I am the one who should thank you."

Saber sighed and wondered why she became so weak by his side. She knew that it was dangerous since the feeling of relying on someone was so addictive, and she was afraid that she might not be able to wake up from this feeling.

Still, if there was a problem, the place where they hugged was a bit strange.

So, after Saber felt better, she asked, "What about Berserker's Master?"

"It should be over there..."

"....." 2x

Tanuki Rise of the Yokai Clan Chapter 297 Sakura is going to be happy | Patreon

Usually, Tamazuki would collect the Master of the Holy Grail and only let them go when he got the Grail, so this was also the case with Berserker's Master, but it seemed he couldn't do that since Kariya Matou, Berserker's Master, had passed away.

On the corner of this dungeon, his body lay on the ground painfully, yet with a peaceful smile.

While Saber felt weird at first, she couldn't help but frown at the tragedy of this pitiful man who was being played by fate all the time.

Kariya's wish was simple, and that was to save Sakura, the daughter of the woman that he loved, yet what he met was only tragedy after tragedy.

Yet, such a wish was impossible to realize, especially when he was surrounded by the malice of this world.

It was as if his existence existed to be tortured and enjoyed by those with crazy heads.

Fortunately, his fate changed.

Kiriya's death was more at ease as he died due to his Prana, blood, and flesh sucked dry by Berserker.

Was such a fate better?

It was hard to say, but compared to the original when he was being played and forced to strangle the neck of the woman he loved, making her have a dead brain due to the lack of oxygen on her brain, this death shouldn't be too bad, especially when he saw the terror and scare on the face of Zoukeno who had tortured him much.

Watching the person Kiriya wanted to die the most before he died was already the greatest gift he received.

Take that!

Kirya thought.

Still, before he died, he had a dream where he saved Sakura and brought her to return to Aoi and Rin as they spent their days happily. It might be only a dream, but that dream was enough to put a smile on him, whose body was wrenched by worms.

"What do you want to do with him?" Saber asked.

"Should I cremate his body?"

After all, they were nothing but strangers.

"Maybe, you should bury him?"

"Well, I will do so."

It might be a little trouble, but it was okay with him.

"Are we going back now?"

"No, there is something that we have to do first."

"What is it?"

"There is someone that I need to save."

Tamazuki walked out of the dungeon, and Saber also followed.

---

"...."

Sakura lay on the bed with a muffled voice as her body was in intense pain.

'Who?! Who is that?! How dare they?!'

Even if his entire body was devoured by Tamazuki before, he didn't die since his body had never been in the physical form of a human normally. Instead, he put his soul into the worms he had created.

As long as those worms existed, he was okay.

He might be weak, especially when his body was devoured, but there were still a few worms that existed outside, especially inside Sakura's body. He had been living so long, and his only enjoyment was to toy with his family.

When Kariya realized everything, it would be late.

Zouken wanted to see that expression on Kariya.

That despair... that terror... that hopelessness.

Zouken couldn't get enough!

However, Sakura, who was in pain, could only stay silent as her body spasmed from the pain until suddenly, the door of her room was opened.

Two figures appeared.

One was a beautiful young woman, who was frowning deeply, and the other was a young man with a face like a being from heaven.

Was he an angel?

'Ah... am I going to die?'

Sakura felt that it wasn't bad, especially when she thought about the pain she felt in this house.

Her life had never been good, especially after she was abandoned by her family.

Her father, who threw her out of the house to this hell-like house; her sister and mother, who forgot her; then Zouken, who threw her into the worm holes where her body was bitten, and tortured; then lastly, Kariya.

Kariya might wish to save her, so she could go back to her mother and sister, yet could she truly return to that place?

To the place that had abandoned her?

No way!

Maybe death was better.

As she shed her tears, feeling relieved by salvation, she could feel that her body was warm and felt all the pain in her body disappear. It had been a while for her to feel like this, and she forgot about this feeling.

It was so wonderful.

"...thank you."

Even if her voice was weak, she still said those words.

Yet, Zouken, who was inside Sakura's body, was screaming in pain, wriggling like a worm.

Watching this little girl, Tamazuki thought that maybe death was too cheap for Zouke, so he decided to torture him.

As he tortured Zouken, Tamazuki didn't forget to heal Sakura's body and took out all the worms inside her body. All the worms from Zouken had entered various parts of Sakura's body from spines, and all the holes on her body, torturing her every day, but all of them were taken out by him by using "Degrenate."

"That lowlife!"

Saber grinding her teeth in anger as she thought of the torture that this little girl had experienced. Tamazuki might be able to heal Sakura's body, but her mind?

"...by the way, this is the daughter of that married woman, right?"

"Um."

While he felt weird at the way Saber mentioned Aoi, he nodded. "Her husband told his second daughter to go to this house, and the others couldn't stop it."

Fortunately, Tokiomi died.

Then, under his care, Sakura woke up and blinked her eyes, watching the two of them.

"...am I not death?"

"Of course not." Tamazuki was speechless. "From now on, you will be following me, and I won't abandon you. Are you okay with that?"

"...."

Sakura stared at Tamazuki with her usual blank expression, but something was brewing inside her mind.

This something was known as a "hope" and "expectation."

"Yes."

"Do you want us to bury Kariya?"

"...Uncle Kariya?" Sakura thought for a moment and didn't feel surprised by Kariya's death. Nevertheless, she agreed to help them. "Yes."

The three of them buried Kariya at the cemetery after he manipulated the minds of the people who took care of the cemetery, then bought the land to bury Kariya's body.

Frankly, due to the lack of land in Japan, most people would be cremated, and the family would create a small shrine for the ashes of those who died.

As for the cemetery? It was too expensive, but money wasn't a problem for him, so he did that.

As for Matou's family house? Tamazuki had cleaned them up by burning that house with his fire. While it might bring unnecessary trouble, it didn't matter since he knew the police would think of it as a gas leak or something.

Then, when everything was over.

He returned to the world of shadows with Saber and Sakura.

"From now on, this will be your home."

Sakura, who had been holding Tamazuki's leg, watched her surroundings curiously as she looked at two beautiful older women in front of her while thinking this place would be her new home.

"As for them, you can think of them as your new mother."

"..."

In Sakura's mind, she wondered why she had so much mother?

Nevertheless, everything will be good for Sakura from now on.

___-_____

Tanuki Rise of the Yokai Clan Chapter 298 Brother from a different era | Patreon

The next day, news of the Matou estate exploding due to a gas leak was announced on television.

Matou estate was one of the famous families in Fuyuki city, so when their estate was burnt, it quickly became one of the hottest news in the city, especially when Kiritsugu Emiya bombed several buildings one after another previously.

Even though the police had said that Kiritsugu had received capital punishment, what about his comrade?

Everyone became wary, and they were afraid that something similar would happen once again.

Frankly, the government could tell that the explosion that happened on Matou's estate wasn't due to a gas leak. Instead, it was something else, but the government also didn't want to cause any more panic, so they could only make such an excuse. Moreover, with everything that was burnt due to the fire, they couldn't find anything, and they could only make an excuse to explain it to the public.

Nevertheless, secretly, they tried to search for Kiritisugu's companion. After all, Kiritsugu was such a maniac, so his companion should be at least on the same level, right?

Naturally, the government panicked and scared in case hundreds of people were killed once again, so they could only do their best to find any clues they could find to solve this problem.

Unfortunately, all of their hard work was meaningless since they couldn't find anything.

However, for the two Masters who were left on this Holy Grail, they knew that this was the work of the Servant.

"This is bad..."

Waver felt dreaded by how elusive Caster was.

Not only was Waver unable to catch the tail of the Caster, but Caster was able to kill most of the Masters and Servants one by one.

Frankly, Waver also had doubts about Kiritsugu's death. It might be his instinct, but somehow he felt that Kiritsugu's death must be the work of Caster.

The hunting was initiated by the police organization of this country; the mistakes on the bombs, and many other things; everything was done by Caster.

"Hahaha...!"

However, Rider laughed. "I want this Caster to be my prime minister! Having such a wicked guy must make my army become stronger!"

"What the hell are you saying, you idiot?!"

Waver looked at Riser exasperatedly, wondering whether a muscle was the only thing inside Rider's head.

"He might come to us, you know?! What if.. what if..."

Waver didn't continue and lowered his head. He was in terror and scared, wishing to go home to London as he felt regret about joining the Holy Grail.

There was nothing more frightening than an unknown.

From beginning to end, no one knew who Caster was and what his appearance was.

No one knew anything about him.

Instead of Caster, Waver felt that this Servant was more like Assassin than the real Assassin.

If there was something known about this Servant, then Caster's attack was related to a fire.

However, was it really the truth?

The fire might be something that was used by Caster to trick all of them, thinking his specialty was a fire, but the truth?

Moreover, Waver wasn't sure when Caster was going to attack.

What if Caster suddenly attacked him when Waver took a break?

At the moment, when everyone rested, Caster would attack.

As Waver thought of such a possibility, he shuddered, then he couldn't help but think. "..did Caster have the ability to observe everyone?"

"What did you say, kid?" Rider looked at Waver in doubt.

"Caster might have the ability to observe us from a distance! If not, then how can he take down all of the Masters and Servants one by one with such a precise time, location, and moment?"

In the case of Lancer's previous battle with Saber, every Servants gathered together as they were attracted by their clashes with Prana. It was impossible to hide their fights, and as long as the battle didn't end in a second, the other Servant would naturally notice the fight and quickly approach the fight to observe from a distance, like how Rider did by observing the fight between Saber and Lancer on the distance bridge.

Yet, Caster found the right time and moment to fight his opponents one by one, defeating them before leaving without being noticed.

If Caster had the ability to observe everyone, then everything was possible!

"You mean..." Rider frowned. "Even if we're inside this room, we are being seen by Caster."

"Yes!"

"How?"

"I don't know!" Wiver shook his head. "After all, he is a Caster. He was the pinnacle magician of his era, but it might be part of his Noble Phantasm. Still, if that's the case, we should be able to deduct his identity due to this ability."

"For example?"

"Galileo Galilei? The inventor of the telescope and astronomer? He might be able to use the power or star or something? There can be others too, but I am not sure since there isn't much we know about him."

"Then, you don't need to think too much."

"Eh?"

"Anyway, he will come to us sooner or later, right? Then, we might as well enjoy our life to the fullest and make him feel jealous of us!"

Saying those words, Rider tried to play the video game that he had bought yesterday.

"...."

Waver blinked his eyes before he was so angry by Rider's irresponsibility.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU SAYING?!"

"Calm down. Calm down. If you keep angry all the time, you won't get tall."

"This isn't the time for us to play a game! What if Caster attacks us?!"

"Then, we attacked him back! We will counter him! We will be the victor! Believe me!"

There was no fear in Rider's eyes, and all one could see was a blazing fighting spirit that could make everyone in awe.

"..."

Waver was unable to say a single word as he saw Rider's visage.

King.

This was the best way to describe him.

It might also be the reason why all of his people decided to follow him to the Oceanus, the distant sea in the East.

Due to this confidence, Rider became the light of hope for everyone.

Even Waver, who was scared, also had the urge to show his allegiance and believed in him. Facing those words, he took a deep breath, then said, "Then, do that. I will believe in you once."

"That's good! Now, accompany me to play this game!"

"...are we really going to play this game?"

"Of course!" Rider showed a bright smile. "Isn't it wasteful not to play this game even though we have bought it?"

"Well..."

Waver couldn't argue, especially when the game machine wasn't that cheap either, especially for him, who wasn't coming from an old Magus family. He also came without the permission of anyone, so even if he prepared money, he couldn't afford the luxury like how his teacher would a single floor for himself as a place to stay in the Fuyuki.

In the end, Waver gave up and sat by crossing his legs as he played together with Rider.

"Ah, you made a mistake!"

"You are the one!"

"Dammit, you are so bad!"

"How dare you say that to me?!"

The two had a blast playing a game together.

Tanuki Rise of the Yokai Clan Chapter 299 Isn't he too strong? | Patreon

"Berserker and his Master have been eliminated."

"Is that so?"

Gilgamesh didn't show much interest as he swirled his wine glass, watching the red blood wine move in a spiral. Similar to his expression, inside his heart, he didn't care whether Berserker and his Master were dying or not.

In the end, everyone would die.

If there was a difference, then it would be when they were going to die.

If Berserker and his Master died, then that's it.

Moreover, Gilgamesh also didn't like that mad dog who put such dirty eyes into his visage. For someone who dared to do such a thing, death was only his destination.

It was good that Berserker had died, so there was no need for him to endure the disgusting feeling in his heart.

However, Kirei sighed.

"What's wrong?"

"I thought that it might be good to use Beserker's Master as a play."

"Play?" This caught Gilgamesh's interest.

Kirei nodded and then explained his plan of how he would invite Kariya into the church to meet Tohsaka, who had died, and then Aoi Tohsaka would come and misunderstand the fact that Kariya was the one who killed her husband.

By then, Kirei would be able to see the fun drama where he could control Kariya like a marionette.

Unfortunately, Kariya died.

"Oh, that's really a shame." Gilgamesh also sighed since it might be good to watch such a drama.

"Though, this Caster is quite troublesome." Kirei's expression became sharp when he mentioned Caster.

After all, unlike the other Masters, whose identity was known, the Master of Caster and Caster were unknown. Until now, no one knew who they were except for his fire-related ability.

Or was it that Caster wanted to believe that he was proficient in fire-related abilities?

No one knew, but his conduct was clear.

Whenever there was a chance, Caster would take down one Servant after another, one by one, before disappearing like smoke.

Even Kirei was wary due to this.

If there was something that he knew, then Caster's Master should be someone who was chosen by the Holy Grail randomly, so there would be a total of seven Masters.

Yet, due to this, there was no doubt this Master should be an amateur.

However, why did this guy seem to be more dangerous than Kiritsugu, who had bombed a large building and killed hundreds of people with ease?

Moreover, his Assassin was also killed by the Caster.

Lastly, there was no doubt Caster erased Assassin at ease, and there wasn't even a chance for Assassin to escape or relay a message to him.

While he might not say anything because of his personality, he was quite annoyed.

Kirei was, without a doubt wishing for the Holy Grail since he thought his wish could be granted through it, so he didn't want anyone to trouble him.

"There is no need to be wary of a rat who is hiding inside the gutter." Gilgamesh was at ease as ever. "If this rat wishes for the Holy Grail, then there is no doubt that this rat will come out sooner or later."

"That's right." Kirei nodded and also felt at ease.

On this Holy Grail, there was no doubt the King of Hero was the strongest Servant.

Caster?

While Caster might be mysterious, Kirei didn't think that Caster could defeat Gilgamesh.

If Caster dared to meet Gilgamesh, then Gilgamesh would kill him.

Nevertheless, Kirei really wondered whether there was a way for him to track down Caster and his Master since being on the passive definitely wasn't something that he loved. If he could, then the faster he could track that person down, the better it was.

"So, there is only this rat, and Rider leaves?" Gilgamesh asked.

"That's right. There are only the three of you."

When Kirei thought of this, he felt amazed since it had been a few days since the Holy Grail started, but four of the seven Masters and Servants had been eliminated, and the one who had eliminated them was Caster.

"..."

While Kirei believed in Gilgamesh, he couldn't help but feel worried when Caster suddenly appeared by their sides, then erased them.

If that's the case, then what should they do?

Gilgamesh was okay since he was a Servant, but he?

Kirei was just a normal human. Even if he had trained his physical body to the limit, there was no chance of him fighting against the Servant.

However, Gilgamesh had never thought too much and still arrogantly thought that everything would be okay, yet how could it not be? He had all the treasures in the world, including a weapon that could destroy the whole world.

Nevertheless, Gilgamesh felt a bit disappointed since he knew that Saber had gone.

Frankly, when Gilgamesh saw the visage of that king of a knight, he was tempted and felt that she was suitable to become his queen, especially that valor, yet an aura that was filled with tragedy.

Gilgamesh wanted to see how her expression was when Saber fell on his bed.

Unfortunately, Gilgamesh was unable to see the expression and didn't know that Saber was already taken down by someone.

Nevertheless, due to his arrogant nature, there was no way for Gilgamesh to realize the danger that was about to come.

If Gilgamesh was careful enough, then he would use his Noble Phantasm to realize everything.

Yet, with his personality, such a thing was impossible.

So, it was due to this that the two of them didn't realize when someone suddenly appeared before them.

Tamazuki didn't waste his time and thought that it was time to end everything. After all, the longer he finished this, the more that the others might notice him. He was being sneaky for participating in this Holy Grail, but it didn't mean that he couldn't be noticed, so before Gilgamesh used his everything, he decided to strike first.

---

Suddenly, Gilgamesh, who was lazily drinking his wine, blinked his eyes as he saw a stranger appear before him. This stranger was like the god that had terrorized his country before, yet before he could even move, this stranger took out something and muttered in a low voice.

"Steal."

At that moment, Gilgamesh felt that he had lost everything.

Whether it was his treasures, birth, experience, skills, or talents, everything was stolen by this stranger.

"No... No..."

For the first time, Gilgamesh realized the feeling of terror, which was something that he had never felt, even if he faced various gods during his era.

Meanwhile, Tamazuki felt everything was great, and, as expected, the result of using "Steal" was nice. Frankly, using [Balaam] might be easier since he could see that Gilgamesh lacked a guard.

However, Tamazuki didn't want to bet since the moment Gilgamesh could use the treasures in his vault, then he would attract the attention of this planet.

The Holy Grail was just about in front of his eyes, so there was no way he would give up.

There was no hesitation.

His katana cut Gilgamesh's neck as he devoured him by using [Balaam].

Gilgamesh had ended, then—

Tamazuki looked at Kire and asked, "Any last words?"

"....."

Kirei let out a long sigh, feeling helpless at Gilgamesh, but he knew no words had come out of his mouth since his neck was already cut by Tamazuki, and his head slid down, falling into the ground.

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