"The Holy Grail War here has indeed concluded, and Servants can no longer be summoned through conventional means."
Jiang You explained, "But the Parallel World hasn't ended just like that. You must know that Class Cards aren't native to this world, right?"
"So they're not from our world?"
Rin Tohsaka genuinely hadn't known that. She never bothered with the details of missions, and besides, what Magus could refuse an order from Kaleidoscope? But that didn't mean she was stupid. She now understood why Kaleidoscope had personally issued this mission—this matter was rooted in the very fabric of the Parallel World.
"No wonder Kaleidoscope is investing so heavily in this."
"So, you're here to handle this matter?"
A servant from the Parallel World... Only Kaleidoscope could have orchestrated something like that. Jiang You didn't bother explaining further; Kaleidoscope's fame meant everyone immediately linked him to Kaleidoscope.
"What a pity you arrived too late. The person in charge of this matter has already changed. You shouldn't have come looking for me. However, given your connection to the Grand Marshal of Magecraft, I might point you in the right direction."
"I came from over there. My purpose in coming here is clear: I'm looking for you," Jiang You stated bluntly. "I need your intelligence network."
Based on Rin Tohsaka's pursuit of Medea in the original work, it's clear she possesses channels for gathering information in Fuyuki. This is exactly what Jiang You needs. Otherwise, with Fuyuki's vastness, he'd have no way to search for the cards one by one, and he certainly couldn't level the entire city just to collect a few Cards.
"So you're on the side of that Einzbern girl, Illya?"
Rin Tohsaka's previously relaxed brow furrowed again. Though she'd claimed to have found a useful tool for collecting the cards, she was actually reluctant to part with it. After all, this was a Mystic Code specially crafted by Kaleidoscope, something many would kill for. If she truly didn't care, she wouldn't have chased after it so persistently.
"I'm sorry, I don't have such a thing," she said, her tone prickly.
Jiang You immediately recognized her stubborn act. He knew Rin Tohsaka, in her current mood, was a woman easily manipulated.
Jiang You pulled out a chest, preparing to repeat the tactic he'd used on Sella. Corrupt adults were easily swayed by self-interest. As the human with the closest Ishtar Wave to Ishtar herself, Rin Tohsaka was utterly defenseless against glittering jewels.
When Rin Tohsaka's eyes fell upon the chest overflowing with gems, her gaze began to lose focus.
Seizing the opportunity, Jiang You pressed his advantage. "Perhaps you could reconsider? As the oldest magus family in Fuyuki, Lady Rin Tohsaka must possess an extensive intelligence network. With your busy schedule, it's understandable if some details have slipped your mind. Could these... reminders... help jog your memory?"
"Now that you mention it, you're right!" Rin Tohsaka didn't even glance at Jiang You; her eyes were blinded by gold, seeing nothing else.
"The Tohsaka Family does have a long-dormant intelligence channel. I'd completely forgotten about it if you hadn't reminded me. I'll write down the address for you. Go there, give the password, and someone will guide you inside. As for the intelligence fee, I imagine that's no problem for someone with your resources, correct?"
Jiang You examined the note in his hand, surprised that Rin Tohsaka still relied on such primitive methods to gather intelligence. But considering her near-lethal aversion to electronics, he quickly understood.
The intelligence gathering hub offered little of interest. Jiang You didn't even encounter any notable or "Star" characters. Most of the occupants were low-level Maguses and figures from the Magic World. After hiring professionals to search for information on Class Cards, Jiang You headed to the agreed-upon open space where he was to meet Miyu.
"Gathering so many young girls in a deserted place at midnight? You really are quite the oni, aren't you?"
Jiang You didn't even need to look to know which Illya had spoken. Prisma Illya would never utter such a line.
"Whose fault is it that Magical Girls have to hide their identities? If you didn't insist on keeping it secret, we could do this anytime."
Jiang You glanced at Prisma Illya, who had proposed this arrangement. A true fundamentalist, he thought. To those in the Magic World, Magical Girls were merely Maguses dressed in outlandish costumes. As for the term "spell," they would likely laugh at it.
Even though the two wands had been crafted by Kaleidoscope, they were still a far cry from true magic.
"I have no objection. There's nothing shameful about this identity."
Miyu immediately voiced her support, unconditionally siding with Jiang You unless his ideas were utterly outrageous.
"Why are you looking at me? I'm not a Magical Girl."
Seeing Prisma Illya's gaze shift toward her, Illya spread her hands in a gesture of helplessness.
"Maguses in my world adhere to the principle of concealing the Mystery, but someone broke that rule, causing all sorts of people to flood into Fuyuki. And that person lacks even a shred of self-awareness! So... I think you should prepare yourself. Sooner or later, he's going to cause a major incident."
"Let's drop this topic for now, okay?"
Prisma Illya had many reasons for concealing her identity, and shame was one of them. She glanced at the sky, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was the first time she'd ever snuck out at night.
"Right now, the most important thing is: Mr. Jiang You, why did you call us out here in the middle of the night?"
"There's no one around here..."
"Please don't start with such a dangerous line!" Prisma Illya crossed her arms in an "X" over her chest, lecturing Jiang You in a scolding tone. "It's precisely because you say things like that that Sella misunderstands you!"
"You little rascal, your mind is full of lewd nonsense. Next time I get a chance, I'm going to check under your bed and browser history."
Jiang You pulled a Five Three practice book from who knows where and smacked Prisma Illya on the head with it. He had no idea where she had picked up all this ahem... provocative knowledge. "We're here for practical combat training today, of course. Did you really think the Class Cards would just sit there waiting to be picked up? Heroic Spirits corresponding to each Class will become your opponents. Only by defeating them can you retrieve the Cards."
"Our opponent... is that you, Mr. Jiang You?" Prisma Illya looked around, but saw no one else.
"Of course not, unless you want to play cards with me."
Jiang You's own combat abilities were probably even weaker than Hundred Faces'.
"Your opponent this time is the enemy generated by the Class Card you'll be facing. Medusa, let's give the future Heavenly Emperor a proper challenge!"
Purple hair billowed in the wind as a blindfolded, mature woman appeared before Prisma Illya.