Before his departure from London, Adashino had provided him with a detailed briefing on his host family.
Asuka's son, Ichiki, worked in the gaming industry in London. A few years ago, the crash of the parent company, Atari, had left him in a difficult position. However, with a subtle nudge from the Department of Policies, he'd managed to secure a partnership with Nintendo, and his business was now thriving.
As Wayland spoke, Asuka's eyes brightened, and she looked visibly relieved. "In that case... I'll make you something special for lunch. Sashimi and sushi!"
"Thank you, Grandmother. I've been looking forward to a proper Japanese meal."
Wayland felt a genuine spark of anticipation. In both his past life and his current one, this was his first time in Japan. He'd eaten so-called 'authentic' sushi at his university back home, but he was certain it had been a poor imitation.
The old woman's expression softened, as if she were lost in a distant memory. "I wonder if Ichiki still remembers the flavors of his home... He said this is your first time in Japan as well, isn't it? You must take the opportunity to see the sights. When March comes, the cherry blossoms in the outskirts are truly beautiful."
The conversation continued as Asuka began to list every notable landmark in Fuyuki, from Ryudou Temple to the local Church to Seaside Park.
Wayland didn't interrupt. He sat there, sipping his tea and listening as she transitioned from sightseeing to the local delicacies. It had clearly been a long time since she'd had anyone to talk to.
As noon approached, Asuka tapped her forehead with a chuckle. "Listen to me, rambling on and forgetting the time! I'll get started on lunch right away, Ritsuka."
"Thank you, Grandmother."
Once she had left for the kitchen, Wayland stood up and made his way to the sliding doors.
At the edge of the property sat a neglected storehouse,a garage, essentially,that had been out of use for years. Asuka had mentioned it was only used when her son returned home for a visit.
Wayland walked down the narrow path and slid open the heavy doors. The space was about five or six meters wide, dusty but secluded.
'I'll perform the summoning here.'
Wayland surveyed the space and gave a satisfied nod. It felt remarkably similar to the storehouse where Artoria had been summoned in the original story. Perhaps he could catch a bit of the protagonist's luck.
"Now... I just need to wait for Touko Aozaki."
***
The Goddess of the Underworld
A winter's night in Fuyuki.
Wayland stood in the darkened storehouse, the scarf Grandmother Asuka had given him wrapped tightly around his neck.
He didn't turn on the lights.
A vibrant, blood-red glow illuminated the darkness as a summoning circle, two meters in diameter, took shape at his feet.
A puff of white mist escaped his lips as he exhaled into the cold air.
He'd used his own blood to draw the circle. Originally, he'd planned to use chicken blood,the traditional method used by Waver,but Irigal had adamantly refused, claiming it would be a grave insult to a Divine Spirit. Other animal sacrifices were also out of the question. Gems would have worked as a conduit, but Wayland hadn't brought enough of those to facilitate a summoning of this scale.
Irigal had eventually suggested his own blood, claiming it would be the most effective catalyst given his unique circumstances.
Wayland hadn't fully understood her reasoning. Ordinarily, the Holy Grail provided the bulk of the power for the summoning; the circle and incantation were mostly symbolic, a way for the Master to establish a bridge. The Master's primary role was to provide the prana necessary to maintain the Servant's physical form once they'd manifested.
Still, he hadn't argued. He leaned against the doorframe, waiting in the silence.
Suddenly, a strange, localized wind swept through the room.
Touko Aozaki seemed to drop from the sky, landing silently while cradling a large, blanket-wrapped object.
"Miss Aozaki."
"I've finished the vessel, according to our agreement."
Touko handed the heavy object over to Wayland. "Now... tell me about that Original Rune."
"As Promised."
Wayland spent the next few minutes explaining the phonetic structure and the magical circuits required to activate the 'Light' rune. He even demonstrated the effect once.
Touko stood in contemplation for a moment, her analytical mind already breaking down the ancient mystery. Within seconds, she manifested a perfect, glowing replica of the rune in the air before her.
As expected of the magus who had reconstructed the Modern Runic system.
"I think I got the better end of this deal," she said with a sharp, vibrant laugh. "If you ever find yourself missing a limb or two, come find me. I'll give you a discount on a replacement."
With a casual wave, she vanished into the night.
'That was an unnecessary death flag.'
Wayland set aside his unease and focused on the task at hand. He carefully unwrapped the puppet body and placed it at the center of the summoning circle, right next to the Lance Cage.
["Master... are you ready?"]
"I am."
["One more thing,"] Irigal added, her voice dropping to a cautious whisper. ["During the summoning, you might hear some... unusual sounds. Try not to let them distract you."]
"Unusual sounds?"
[Translated and Rewritten by Shika_Kagura]