Festival Ranking Ceremony

May 1999.

In the square of the Clock Tower's teaching building.

A ceremony was underway.

*DING!*

The bell echoed under the sky, simultaneously signaling the start of the ceremony.

With his back to the seven-colored, seven-pointed star drawn on the ground, Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald stood in the center of the square wearing a long black robe. On either side of him, two Magus also in ceremonial attire each held a magic staff.

Along with the sound of the bell, one of them said, "Oh, child lost in darkness, step forward."

Hearing that, not far away, Naoki, wearing a long white hooded robe with his eyes covered by a black cloth, took a few steps forward and arrived before Kayneth.

The other Magus also said at that moment, "Oh you, state the name of your existence in this world."

"My name is Natsukawa Naoki, one who seeks the mysteries of the soul, advancing towards the Root."

"Oh you, child of the stars, at this moment, you shall be released from darkness and reborn in light."

After reciting the ceremonial words, Kayneth helped Naoki remove the hood and the black cloth covering his eyes, then fitted the Mystic Eye Killers onto him.

"In the name of Lord El-Melloi, I bestow upon you, Natsukawa Naoki, the rank of Festival—you have answered my expectations well, Naoki, in just three years you have become a Festival. I am proud to have a student like you."

Yes.

Three years had passed since Naoki came to the Clock Tower.

Although as a Magus, Naoki was still far from mature, he had completely emerged from his novice stage and could proudly consider himself a competent Magus.

"During these three years, without too much of my guidance, relying solely on the two of you, you and Waver, to reach this step is truly remarkable."

"No, Professor has given me a lot of help. Without your guidance, even if I could master summoning magic, it would definitely have been several years later. Your help to me is invaluable."

Naoki obtained summoning magic three years ago, not long after coming to the Clock Tower, but he only really started training summoning magic about a year ago, before that he focused on the basics. And the most important part of summoning magic and spirit evocation, all depended on Kayneth's teachings.

In fact, the targeted summoning of Fairy Armament was finally successfully completed under Kayneth's guidance. Waver played more of a role in tidying up, analyzing, and patching up shortcomings in the theoretical aspects.

"During these three years, thank you for your careful guidance, Professor Kayneth. After I transfer to the Department of Spiritual Evocation later, I will also continue to trouble you."

"The trouble you've given me is already quite enough."

Kayneth rarely showed a wry smile in public.

"Now, this ceremony has concluded perfectly. Please, witnesses, give a round of applause to welcome the student who aims for the Root and receive blessings."

Thunderous applause like a flood erupted from the distance. The students who were often in the same classes as Naoki and had a fairly good relationship clapped. While in a more distant place, in the shadows of the buildings, Gray, Waver, and Riddel also clapped in unison.

"Finally a Festival. Clearly, half a year ago he was still the youngest with the lowest position, and the result is a direct leap to the fourth rank, and his official time in contact with the world of mysteries is only three years."

"One can imagine what kind of wind will blow through the Clock Tower after this."

Different from the envy radiating from Waver's eyes, Riddel's expression showed a hint of worry.

"But, 21 years old—after his birthday this year he'll be 22, a Festival at such a young age. If given time, becoming an Adherent or even a Color isn't impossible, right? In that case, the family definitely wouldn't object."

"Eh? Miss Riddel, what did you say?" Gray blinked slightly warily, "What's wrong with big brother?"

"No, it's nothing, I was just talking to myself."

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

At night, inside the apartment.

"To Naoki becoming a Festival, cheers!"

"Cheers!"

Merlin, who rarely drank, finished the wine in her hand and sighed in relief.

"Ah, Naoki finally became a Festival too. As the owner of this apartment, I really feel proud. Later, at the women's gathering, I'll have one more thing to boast about!"

"My becoming a Festival has nothing to do with you."

"I was the one who gave you summoning magic! There's at least a one percent connection, right!"

With her face slightly flushed, Merlin pounced directly on Naoki.

"Considering this relationship, don't you think you should give me a gift?"

"Merlin!"

"Big sister Merlin, this is hangover relief water!"

Like executioners guarding both sides of Naoki, as soon as Merlin finished speaking, Riddel and Gray immediately pulled her aside and handed her a glass of hangover relief water.

Of course, Merlin wasn't drunk at all; she just wanted to see Riddel and Gray panic because Naoki was close to her.

"But, since the Festival conferment ceremony is over, that means Naoki, you will also leave here and return to Japan, right?" Waver asked, sitting diagonally across from Naoki, "First summoning magic, then going there to learn puppetry from Aozaki Touko, can you really learn it?"

"There must be a way. After all, the main reason I'm learning puppetry is to utilize summoning magic, so it's not a problem."

"If you can manage it yourself, then that's fine." Waver nodded, "Then when are you planning to leave?"

"Touko Master isn't in a hurry to return. If possible, I'd like to go to Misaki City in Japan first."

Misaki City.

The main stage of Tsukihime, and also the main stage of Mahoutsukai no Yoru more than a decade ago. Reminded by Morgan, Naoki took the time to call Touko, asking her to pay attention to the situation in Misaki City.

Although the latter showed considerable reluctance, but after Naoki guaranteed to help her deal with Aozaki Aoko, she finally agreed.

And according to the information sent back, recently, one or two cases of deaths occurring in alleys or the outskirts of the city have gradually appeared in Misaki City, and the church in Misaki City also clearly has many people going in and out.

Many clues pointed to one thing—Tsukihime was about to begin.

"Eh? Naoki, you're going to Misaki City?"

While firmly holding Merlin down in seat, Riddel suddenly moved closer after hearing Naoki's words, "In that case, how about I go with you? I have a childhood friend in Misaki City, and it's been a long time since I visited her, so I can visit her at the same time."

"Childhood friend?"

"Her name is Kuonji Alice, she's been my playmate since childhood, and also a quite powerful Magus—oh right, speaking of Misaki City... I wonder if that woman is there or not? If possible, I don't really want to meet her."

That woman?

"Who?"

"Aozaki Aoko." Riddel said, "That famous Fifth True Magic Magician."