Chapter 184: I Am the Master of My Fate
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In a traditional Japanese-style house, filled with an eclectic mix of European furniture.
Kiritsugu Emiya gripped the pistol in his hand. It was loaded with an [Origin Bullet], his unique creation capable of severing a Magician's connection to their Magic Circuits with a single shot.
His caution was warranted. His target was Zouken Matou, a Magician who had lived for over three hundred years—a powerful and dangerous individual.
Kiritsugu's eyes narrowed as he studied the old man—a grotesque figure, his bald head and wizened limbs like a mummy's, yet his eyes, deep-set within their sockets, gleamed with an unsettling intelligence.
A monster...
Kiritsugu would have preferred to avoid contact with Zouken. But the Matou, along with the Einzbern and Tohsaka, were one of the three founding families of the Holy Grail War, guaranteeing access to the Command Spells necessary to control a Servant.
With the Einzbern and Tohsaka having already chosen their Masters, Kiritsugu had no choice. He needed to secure his place in the war, to fulfill his wish for world peace.
"So, the Magus Killer desires a place in the Holy Grail War?" Zouken's raspy voice echoed through the room.
"It would be a mutually beneficial arrangement. According to my research, the Matou family lacks a suitable Master for the upcoming war," Kiritsugu replied calmly, his expression unfazed by the stench of decay emanating from the old man.
"Indeed. That useless second son of mine has fallen under the Tohsaka's spell. Thanks to their—protection, I haven't even had a chance to—persuade him to participate," Zouken said, a hint of malice in his tone, though his words were strangely cheerful.
He'd initially intended to use Kariya's participation in the war as a form of entertainment, watching the mage, who'd chosen an ordinary life, suffer.
But Kariya's relationship with Tokiomi Tohsaka had presented a far more intriguing opportunity.
"What do you say, Zouken-san?" Kiritsugu asked, his finger tightening on the trigger.
Zouken's lips curled into a smile—not a human smile, but something monstrous.
"Tell me—what are your terms? What do I gain from this arrangement?"
He'd initially planned to control Kiritsugu, to use him as a vessel. But the man radiated an unsettlingly familiar aura—the scent of a kindred spirit.
Kiritsugu, sensing a similar resonance—from the old man. a feeling of kinship—looked at Zouken, his eyes narrowed.
"I seek the Grail's power—to grant a single wish." He found himself revealing his deepest desire. "World peace."
Zouken's eyes widened, then narrowed. "Follow me."
--
In a snow-covered field, Haru and Illyasviel stood within an ancient chapel on the Einzbern Castle grounds.
A golden scabbard, adorned with intricate blue patterns and inscribed with Fae runes, lay on a summoning circle etched into the stone floor.
"Let's begin. I need to read to Elia later," Illyasviel said, a sweet smile on her face.
"Isn't Aoi the one reading to her and Rin?" Haru replied with a wry smile, watching Illyasviel's childlike enthusiasm.
As Haru began the summoning ritual, channeling his magic to connect with the Greater Grail and receive the Command Spells
Illyasviel gasped, her hand flying to her arm.
Three crimson marks, like stylized swords, had appeared on her skin. She stared at them, her ruby eyes filled with confusion.
"Haru? Shouldn't the Command Spells be on you? Why…?"
Haru, looking at the marks, closed his eyes and reached out to the Counter Force.
Moments later, he opened his eyes, his expression strange. "It's a minor complication."
According to Gaia and Alaya, the Grail, sensing a threat from Haru, had transferred the Command Spells to Illyasviel.
"It seems you'll be the Master this time, Illyasviel. And I have a feeling—this Servant will be a perfect match for you," Haru said, grinning.
Illyasviel's face lit up. "Really? They'll suit me? You're not just saying that?"
Haru nodded.
Illyasviel hurried to the summoning circle and began to chant.
--
In a cold, damp basement, Kiritsugu looked at the armored figure kneeling before him and smiled. "A useful tool…"
--
Cluck—cluck—cluck…
Waver Velvet stared at the summoning circle, his hands trembling, nearly dropping the chicken he held. A towering figure materialized, its gaze fixed on Waver.
--
In the Tohsaka mansion's basement, lightning crackled, and wind howled. Tokiomi, Kirei, Risei, and Kariya shielded their eyes as the summoning circle glowed.
A radiant, golden figure emerged. Tokiomi murmured, "…We've won, Kirei…"
--
In the Hyatt Hotel's penthouse suite, Kayneth offered Sola-Ui a glass of wine. "A toast—to my inevitable victory…"
Behind him, an armored figure stood, armed with swords and guns.
--
Illyasviel beamed, her face radiant, as she looked at the figure before her—a woman, as beautiful as a flower in full bloom, her emerald eyes sharp, her golden hair like a halo, clad in a knight's armor.
"Are you my Master?" the knight asked.
"Yes! Yes, I am!" Illyasviel replied excitedly.
"Then…" Saber began, but Haru interrupted her.
"Thank you Mother," he said to Gaia, his gray eyes opening.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, Artoria," he continued, stepping forward, his right hand marked with the Command Spells—outstretched towards Saber, who stared at him, shocked that he knew her true name.
"I Declare "
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