At Su's residence, just as Su Ye destroyed Zouken Matou, Sakura Matou suddenly opened her eyes from her sleep.
Just now, something within her awakened.
It was Zouken Matou's soul, residing within a brain worm crafted from the Holy Grail's fragments, embedded in Sakura's heart. Only when his worm body was utterly destroyed did his consciousness fully awaken.
Under the control of Zouken Matou's soul, Sakura rose like a puppet, slowly walked outside, and looked toward the Matou residence.
"Damn it, that bastard!"
Sakura's blank face suddenly twisted into a fierce expression.
"He actually destroyed my greatest 'masterpiece.' I'll get my revenge. I'll make him pay for this!"
Just as Sakura finished speaking, a voice suddenly came from the shadows behind her.
"So, what price do you think I should pay?"
Hearing that voice, Sakura's expression froze. She knew it all too well, even if a hundred years passed, even if her body turned to ash, she would never forget it.
This man was none other than Su Ye, who had just destroyed Zouken Matou's worm body at the Matou residence.
"You..."
Sakura turned around, and the fierceness on her face vanished instantly, replaced by her usual innocent and pitiful look as she gazed at the tall, dark figure emerging from the shadows.
It was Su Ye, dressed in a Batman suit. However, this wasn't his real body but a clone, as his main body was currently riding a horse on the way.
What kind of horse?
Of course, it was the "Medusa brand" luxury steed… Ahem, Pegasus, Medusa's mount.
Riding a horse like this was truly a sight to behold.
Under the enchanting moonlight and the roaring wind, a massive, pure white Pegasus soared through the night sky.
On the broad back of the Pegasus, two figures lay, using the sky as their blanket and the horse's back as their bed. With each movement of the horse, they were gently rocked by its rhythmic motion.
The term "horsequake" caused quite a stir when it first appeared in Chinese cultural circles. No one had thought this was even possible before.
Even Su Ye once thought such scenarios could only occur while riding a motorcycle, and he had even fantasized about trying it out… Ahem.
Unfortunately, he never had the chance.
And now, still no chance.
He had only just met Medusa, and their affinity level wasn't high yet. A casual, unconscious touch was about the most he could get away with.
As for doing something as outrageous as pulling someone's bra strap, like a certain "pond owner" who denied dragging a traffic cop, or boldly acting as the "Chest King"?
A normal person's logic would neither conceive of nor shoot such a shameless scenario.
In the air, Su Ye and Medusa were simply riding the Pegasus one after the other, rushing along their journey.
Back at Su's residence, seeing Su Ye in the shadows, Zouken Matou internally cursed, mmp.
'You disgusting bastard! Why do you always show up from behind people? Do you have some kind of fetish?!'
Zouken Matou mentally ranted, but the face of the Sakura he controlled showed a pitiful, frightened expression.
The fear wasn't entirely an act. It had only been less than a minute since Zouken Matou's worm body exploded, far too short a time for Su Ye to travel from the Matou residence back to the Su residence.
But why was there another Su Ye here?
More importantly, from Su Ye's words, Zouken Matou picked up on the underlying implication.
This powerful guy had already seen through his magic and disguise and had followed the trail to cause trouble.
"Who are you? Why are you here? Please leave immediately!"
Sakura suddenly shouted, a reflexive action by Zouken Matou. Even though he was an ancient ghost who had lived for centuries, he couldn't help but panic in this situation.
Since the opponent could trace his soul, they surely had a way to deal with him, while he had limited means to resist.
'No, he won't dare!'
The old ghost Zouken quickly made a judgment. His soul resided in a brain worm created from the Holy Grail's fragments, which had now fused with Sakura's heart.
If someone wanted to kill the brain worm, Sakura's heart would shatter along with it.
This person wouldn't dare...
Zouken suddenly felt a chill. Why wouldn't the opponent dare to kill?
He's a Servant, a Heroic Spirit! Killing a Master wouldn't trouble his conscience, let alone an ordinary person. Why would Sakura be an exception? Being cute and pretty, was that enough to save her?
Zouken's thinking wasn't entirely wrong, but it wasn't completely right either.
Su Ye wasn't an ordinary Servant who killed indiscriminately, nor would he casually kill Sakura. However, he did have a way to eliminate Zouken Matou.
Projection magic truly was a wonderful thing.
As a byproduct of Shirou Emiya's Reality Marble, Unlimited Blade Works, this magic could project and replicate any weapon or equipment he had seen or imagined, mainly swords.
Moreover, the projection didn't reproduce the original weapon but created a replica one rank lower in power.
However, during replication, even the original owner's skills could be copied, allowing the user to immediately wield the weapon as if they had mastered it themselves.
It was truly remarkable!
Thus, Zouken Matou's demise had already been planned by Su Ye.
"Don't bother struggling; it's useless. If I say I'll kill you, then I will."
With that, Su Ye activated his Projection Magic.
[Projection, start]
[Conceptualize the creation's principle]
[Define basic framework]
[Replicate material composition]
[Simulate crafting technique]
[Empathize with growth experience]
[Recreate accumulated history]
[Surpass and complete numerous processes]
This construction process clearly showed how overpowered this Projection Magic was. It not only replicated others' weapons but also copied their memories and combat experience.
In a way, it seemed somewhat similar to Su Ye's [Girlfriend Card] system.
[At this moment, the gathered blade of fantasy is complete────]
As Su Ye finished constructing, a straight short blade about 40 centimeters in length appeared in his hand.
The name of this blade was Shinsō ("Divine Spear").
That's right, it was the Zanpakutō of Gin Ichimaru, former Captain of Squad 3 from the Bleach universe.
Though it was supposed to be sword-projection magic, he ended up creating a blade named "spear."
Well, in the Fate and Bleach universes, swords and blades are often interchangeable.
After all, even Red Archer's projected Gan Jiang and Mo Ye were shaped like blades.
Zanpakutōs could cut through souls but leave the body unharmed. This was Su Ye's arrangement for Zouken Matou.
As for why it was Shinsō and not something flashier like Senbonzakura, Kyōka Suigetsu, or Ryūjin Jakka?
Well, because Gin Ichimaru had a childhood sweetheart with certain... endowments.
After all, Su Ye carried the [Girlfriend Card] system. If projecting Shinsō could somehow summon Rangiku Matsumoto, then... He could hardly dare to imagine it.
Although Gin and Rangiku's relationship was never officially confirmed, based on their feelings and interactions, calling them a couple wouldn't be far-fetched.
Thinking back, none of the girlfriends Su Ye had drawn so far could compare to Sister Rangiku in terms of size.
The recently recruited Medusa, his "Little Aunt," was only an 88.
Even Mai Shiranui, who currently seemed to have the largest and most eye-catching figure, was only an 89, limited by her height.
But Sister Rangiku? She was a 98, and a G-cup at that!
Calling her the "Number One Beauty of Bleach"—any objections?
Who wouldn't love a sister like that?
Anyway, Su Ye had this in mind when he projected Shinsō.
Unfortunately, when Shinsō appeared in his hand, no "girlfriend bonus" scenario occurred. The system remained dead silent, not even a single peep.
Useless system, one-star review!
'Maybe it's because this is the Fate world. Once I leave, projecting it again might trigger something... right?'
Su Ye could only console himself with this thought.
Opposite him, Zouken Matou saw the Zanpakutō suddenly appear in Su Ye's hand. Although he didn't know what it was, an inexplicable fear gripped him.
It seemed to emanate an immense and unknown terror.
It was a fear originating from the brain worm, from the very depths of his soul.
Sakura staggered backward, her expression twisting as tears streamed down her face.
"Y-you, stay away!"
Su Ye remained unmoved, resembling a ruthless thug stalking a lone girl at midnight, forcing her into a dark alley to rob her.
"Stop pretending. I'm not in the mood to play games with you. Before Medusa arrives, let's finish this."
Su Ye raised Shinsō, pointing it at Sakura's heart.
Sakura quickly shouted, "Don't kill me! I surrender! I'll pledge my loyalty if you spare my life!"
Zouken Matou had long been willing to sacrifice anything for immortality, even his dignity and freedom.
Moreover, as a magician who had lived for centuries, his vast experience and skills were a significant asset for any young magus.
Unfortunately, Su Ye wasn't interested.
"Shoot to kill, Shinsō!"
With a soft command from Su Ye, Shinsō's blade extended instantly, piercing through Sakura's heart with a swift swish.
"Spa—…"
Sakura's voice abruptly cut off, her eyes dimming as the brain worm within her heart was utterly destroyed.
From this moment on, all traces of Zouken Matou's existence in the world vanished.
From this moment on, Sakura Matou was finally free.
As Su Ye withdrew Shinsō, a white Pegasus appeared in the distant sky, rapidly diving toward their location.
Moments later, Pegasus landed. Upon seeing Sakura collapse, Medusa leaped off the mount before it even fully stopped and immediately cradled Sakura in her arms.
"Sakura, are you okay?"
Medusa examined Sakura's body, confirming there were no wounds and her breathing was steady. Only then did she look up at Su Ye holding Shinsō, then back at the Su Ye dismounting behind her, her mind filling with questions like a curious but inexperienced child.
"Who is he? What did you do to her?"
The Su Ye clone shrugged, tossed Shinsō toward the real Su Ye in the distance, and then disappeared in a puff of white smoke.
Catching Shinsō, the real Su Ye toyed with it in his hand as he began explaining.
"Don't worry. That was just a clone I created with magic to handle the remnants of Zouken Matou. The problem's resolved now, and Sakura won't have any more trouble in the future."
"She's a bit weak right now, but it's nothing serious. She'll recover with some rest."
Medusa was a bit doubtful but chose to trust Su Ye. After all, he was her Master now, and logically, he wouldn't deceive her about such matters.
When Medusa carried the unconscious Sakura into the room, Fujimura Taiga was still sound asleep, sprawled out in all directions. Even Sakura's earlier loud shouts hadn't woken her. Truly, this woman had nerves of steel.
To prevent the weakened Sakura from being accidentally hurt by Fujimura's flailing, Medusa placed her a bit farther away and lay down between the two as a barrier.
But not long after lying down, Fujimura suddenly rolled over, draping an arm over Medusa. Her hand naturally fell and grabbed a handful, even giving it a light squeeze.
"Sakura, it seems like you've grown a bit…"
Fujimura mumbled in her sleep, still oblivious.
The assaulted Medusa furrowed her brow.
She was a decisive and lethal Heroic Spirit, the fearsome Gorgon from myth, a nightmare to many. Sakura was the only one who could draw out even a sliver of her gentleness.
Now, this stranger dared to assault her. Even if it was an unconscious act in sleep, Medusa had no intention of letting it slide. She would have her revenge.
To repay in kind—this was the most satisfying form of retribution.
Thus, Medusa decisively turned and extended her vengeful hand toward Fujimura Taiga.
Even in her sleep, Fujimura Taiga wasn't an easy target. Nicknamed "Tiger" because the pronunciation of her name resembled the English word for tiger, she lived up to it.
As the saying goes, there are no wrong nicknames, only mistaken names. While her nickname was based on a pun, her personality truly lived up to it.
In the original story, she could casually spar with Shirou Emiya using a rolled-up poster during a meal break.
Now, even in her sleep, as soon as she sensed an attack, she instinctively launched a counterstrike.
Seeing this, Medusa raised an eyebrow.
Already frustrated from her earlier defeat by Su Ye, Medusa couldn't tolerate the idea of being bested by Fujimura Taiga, an ordinary human.
Medusa flipped over and countered with a dominating move, determined to show Fujimura what it meant to be outclassed and to instill a shiver that reached deep into her soul.
A fierce battle unfolded beside the unconscious Sakura.
Meanwhile, Su Ye couldn't afford to stay and watch. After entrusting Sakura to Medusa, he took off again, heading toward Saber's location.
After recruiting his "Little Aunt" and rescuing the "Little Sister," Saber, the "main house" … Ahem, she was a Heroic Spirit after all, and respect for the dead comes first, right? No problem there.
In any case, he couldn't leave Saber unattended.
Under the night sky, Saber's battle with Red Archer had been going on for over ten minutes.
Even with her recently replenished mana, the intensity of the battle was starting to wear Saber down.
Opposite her, Red Archer was similarly exhausted, panting heavily as his stamina waned.
From the sidelines, Rin Tohsaka watched anxiously. She didn't want Red Archer to fall here and considered replenishing his mana to help him recover.
But for some reason, Red Archer suddenly became stubbornly principled, insisting that since the opponent had no Master providing mana, he wouldn't accept any either, claiming it was a warrior's and knight's honor.
This left Rin incredibly frustrated… Wait, she didn't have those? Never mind, that wasn't important.
The crucial point was that without mana replenishment, it would be tough to win. Worse, if both sides ended up severely wounded, they might fall prey to a third party lying in wait.
At that moment, a figure appeared, running toward them from the distant street.
Su Ye had arrived to clean up.
Seeing Su Ye approach, Saber and Red Archer exchanged a fierce blow before simultaneously leaping back.
From a distance, Saber spotted Su Ye and immediately called out, "Master, please don't intervene! I can handle this opponent!"
She needed to warn him in advance because, in her view, if Su Ye joined the fight, there would be no role left for her.
Red Archer also turned to look at Su Ye, their mental link instantly connecting as he began furiously complaining in his mind.
'Are you an idiot? You've pumped Saber so full of mana she's practically overflowing! And now you expect me to fight her? How am I supposed to play my part like this? This difficulty level is insane!'
'And please, next time, don't be so damn eager to top her off with mana, especially in moments like these. Just give her enough to get by, okay?'
'If I beat Saber, I'll hurt her pride. If I lose, Rin's opinion of me will tank. It's impossible to win here!'
Su Ye offered an insincere apology.
'My bad this time. Don't worry, I won't change a thing next time!'
Red Archer: '...'
If only he could curse without consequence—insulting Su Ye would be like cursing himself—but otherwise, he would've thoroughly insulted Su Ye's entire ancestry.
At this moment, Rin Tohsaka also looked at Su Ye in surprise.
"Master? Su Ye, you're a Master too?"
Su Ye walked closer, stopping near Saber.
"Not sure if it's lucky or unfortunate, but yes, Rin, I'm also a Master, just like you."
At that moment, the atmosphere suddenly grew tense.
According to the rules of the Holy Grail War, Masters didn't have to be mortal enemies, but in the end, only one could claim victory.
More importantly, the relationships between Servants were far more strained than those between Masters.
The Holy Grail required the power of at least five Heroic Spirits to activate and fulfill the wish of the victor.
Thus, no matter how amicable the relationship between Masters might seem, they were destined to be enemies.