When Reines summoned Zuke, it was already evening. After their visit to Bazett, night had fully fallen.
The Holy Grail War typically took place at night, with a ceasefire during the day to avoid detection by ordinary people. This was likely why the system had set Zuke's entry into the Fate mission world at nighttime.
Of course, if Zuke wanted to enter during the day, he could—he just needed to choose that timing when accessing the mission world. After all, he no longer had the 8-hour "anti-addiction" restriction. Even if he stayed in the mission world for more than eight hours, he wouldn't have to worry about being unable to bring back the abilities he gained.
"In that case, our next main objective is gathering intel."
After returning to their base, Reines looked at Zuke and spoke with satisfaction.
Though Zuke didn't possess the "Clairvoyance" ability she had expected, she didn't blame him—instead, she blamed Waver for feeding her false information.
But without clairvoyance, they'd have to gather intelligence manually. While troublesome, Reines had already mentally prepared for this.
"Sakura mentioned that your time in the physical world is limited each day, right? I suppose that's a balancing measure due to your overwhelming strength..."
Sakura naturally knew that during the previous Holy Grail War, Zuke would often disappear during the day and only appear at night.
In truth, this was because Zuke could only stay in the mission world for eight hours at a time. But in Reines' eyes, it seemed like a restriction imposed by the Holy Grail system to balance the power levels among Servants.
After all, if a Servant as absurdly powerful as Zuke had no limitations, even Reines would have to admit it felt like cheating.
"...Something like that, yeah."
Zuke shrugged helplessly, not bothering to explain the system or mission world mechanics.
If Reines wanted to believe it was a Holy Grail restriction, that was fine by him.
"Then, it's time to divide our tasks~"
Reines nodded.
"Next, you'll scout the Three Founding Families, while I gather information on the remaining Masters."
The Three Founding Families were undoubtedly major threats in the Holy Grail War—they might have even summoned their Servants early, just like Reines. Naturally, Zuke was the best choice for reconnaissance.
Though there was a chance of encountering enemies, Reines had full confidence in Zuke's ability to handle any Servant without issue.
"What about you? Don't you need me to accompany you?"
Zuke wasn't worried about himself, but rather about Reines.
If she died, he should still be able to operate independently—but since she had treated him well, he didn't want anything bad to happen to her.
"It's fine. I'll avoid direct confrontations with other Masters as much as possible."
Reines smiled faintly, pleased by Zuke's concern.
"And if I do end up in a fight..."
With a sudden wave of her hand, a suitcase in the corner of the room burst open—a mass of mercury-like substance surged out, rapidly twisting and morphing into the shape of a humanoid figure.
A silver maid stood calmly behind Reines.
"...Trimmau will ensure my escape."
Trimmau was an artificial intelligence-infused familiar created by Reines after inheriting Kayneth's Mystic Code, "Volumen Hydrargyrum" (Mooncell Automaton).
Though Volumen Hydrargyrum might seem insignificant compared to Zuke, it was still the Mystic Code of Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald, a Lord of the Clock Tower. Its combat capabilities were nothing to scoff at.
After being remodeled into the familiar maid Trimmau, it was more than capable of protecting Reines in battles against ordinary magi.
"Hmm... It's fine against magi, but if you run into a Servant, you're in trouble."
Zuke didn't deny Volumen Hydrargyrum's effectiveness against magi—even Kiritsugu Emiya, the "Mage Killer," had been relentlessly pursued by it.
But against a Servant? It wouldn't hold up.
After a moment of thought, Zuke decided to give Reines an extra layer of protection.
He reached out and, under Reines' surprised gaze, slowly pulled a magnificent scabbard from the void.
Reines stared at the scabbard in Zuke's hand, stunned.
As a magus, she could clearly sense that this was a Conceptual Weapon—and one of extraordinary origin.
"This is Avalon, the scabbard of King Arthur. It has incredible defensive and regenerative properties. As long as you have it, you won't die."
Zuke pressed his hand against Reines' chest—an action that looked suspiciously like he was copping a feel, causing Reines' face to flush red.
But soon, she felt the scabbard merge into her body, instantly making her feel lighter on her feet.
"...I really do feel different now..."
After Avalon's implantation, Reines marveled at her revitalized state.
"But... is it really okay to give me something this important?"
"It's useless to me anyway."
Zuke grinned.
Originally, Avalon had been a temporary substitute for when his "Immortality" ability wasn't fully functional. But now that his Dragon Ball world synchronization had reached 100%, his immortality was fully active—making Avalon redundant.
Giving it to Reines was just putting it to good use.
---
Later That Night – The Tohsaka Residence
Under the cover of darkness, Tohsaka Aoi sat alone in an empty room, reading.
Though Tohsaka Tokiomi was dead, the Tohsaka family was still doing well thanks to the Mage's Association's support.
But as a woman, Aoi sometimes found herself reminiscing—not about Tokiomi, but about Zuke.
Back then, Zuke's physical prowess had far surpassed that of an ordinary man, giving Aoi an experience beyond her wildest imagination.
Now, whenever she dreamed of secret rendezvous, her mind conjured images of Zuke—Tokiomi didn't even cross her thoughts anymore.
Just as Aoi was considering whether to assist Tohsaka Rin with her summoning preparations, she heard a tapping at her window.
She froze in shock—her bedroom was on the second floor. Who could possibly be knocking on her window?
But when she looked outside, she saw a most unexpected visitor.
"Mrs. Tohsaka, it's been a while."
Zuke slid the window open and slipped inside, grinning at Aoi's stunned—yet faintly delighted—expression.
Seeing her reaction, Zuke already knew what she was thinking.
Though he addressed her as "Mrs. Tohsaka," Aoi had probably long since forgotten Tohsaka Tokiomi even existed...
To be continued…
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