8.Last servant

At the same time, at the far away land of the east across the sea, another person is receiving the same report by the spy in England as Kiritsugu.

Being a legitimate magus, Tōsaka Tokiomi would not resort to using the new technology of the vulgar world like Kiritsugu. He is adept at using the Tōsaka family's exclusive secret technique of communicating over long distances, a jewel magic passed down through the generations.

Towering in Miyama-chou of Fuyuki is the Tōsaka mansion. In Tokiomi's workshop set up below ground, an installment of experimental equipment similar to what is commonly known as the black pendulum was prepared. The difference between common physics experimental equipment and this is that, this pendulum's massive bob contains a magic jewel of the Tōsaka heirloom, and it was constructed so the ink flowing down from the string can moisten the jewel.

The rock paired with the jewel of this pendulum is currently in the possession of Tōsaka's spy. If this rock was placed in front of a roller and start writing, the matching pendulum's jewel would start to undulate, the ink dripping down would write perfect and errorless text on the Rollin paper underneath. That's the type of structure it was.

Right now the jewel on the pendulum and the rock on the other side of the globe in London are undulating in sync, and through watching this strange repetitive motion without a pattern, the reporter's writing began to smoothly and accurately resurface.

Tokiomi, noticing this occurrence, picked up the paper without waiting for the ink to completely dry and began browsing what was recorded on it.

"— No matter how many times I look at this setup it always make me feel like it's unreliable."

Kotomine Kirei, who's been standing guard off to the side all this time, expressed unscrupulous sentiments.

"Oh, so do you think fax is more convenient?

If this method was used, even if the power was out, there won't be any breakdowns. There's also no need to worry about the report being divulged. Without the need to rely on new technology, us magi have long ago possessed apparatus not inferior to modern tools today."

Even so, as Kirei sees it, fax that can be used by anyone is more convenient. 'Anyone' can use it... this inevitability is definitely something that Tokiomi cannot comprehend. It's perfectly reasonable that the techniques and knowledge of aristocrats and commoners are different... even in the present, Tokiomi still bears this outdated mode of thinking; he is truly a legitimate 'magus.'

"The latest report from the 'Clock Tower.' The 'prodigy' Lord El-Melloi seems to have obtained a lost relic. If that's the case, then it is confirmed that he will be participating. Hmph, this is truly a thorny opponent. So it's clear, there are now five Masters including myself..."

"It really makes me worry that there's still two positions empty until even now."

"Why, it simply means that there are no suitable bearers for the Command Seals. When time is running out, the Grail will randomly fill the seven slots regardless of quality. For the sake of having enough people, there should be two small characters. There's no need to be alert."

This was in keeping with Tokiomi's optimism. After being his student for three years, Kirei now understood his teacher very well. Although she was meticulous in preparation, she had a habit of missing small details in action, and taking care of these small details as a substitute was probably her responsibility; Kirei had long understood this.

"But speaking of being careful - Kirei, no one saw you when you entered this house, right? In appearance, we are already enemies."

Completely in accordance with Tōsaka Tokiomi's plan, that reality was twisted and announced. Kirei, who had been chosen by the Grail three years ago, carefully hid the badge on his right hand in accordance with Tokiomi's orders, until this month before he announced the fact that the Command Seal was in his hand. From then on, he severed his ties with Tokiomi as a Grail challenger.

"There is no need to worry. Regardless of being able to see or not, there are no familiars or spells observing this house. I -"

"- I guarantee it."

A third person's voice cut in and, at the same time, a black shadow appeared beside Kirei.

The Heroic Spirit that had accompanied Kirei in spirit form all this time, at this moment, appeared in front of Tokiomi.

That tall, thin shadow had a huge difference in terms of prana compared to humans. He was 'something inhuman'. A strange one, wearing a long black robe and a white skull-like mask to protect his face.

Yes, he was the Last Heroic Spirit summoned in the fourth Heaven's Feel, the Servant "Assassin" who made a contract with Kotomine Kirei - Hassan-i Sabbāh.

"No matter what tricks they play, they cannot hide it from my eyes, the eyes of the trickster Heroic Spirit, Hassan. My master, Kirei, does not have the aura of being followed by enemies all around him... You can rest easy."