Day and night alternate.
The faint light of dawn in this ancient city slowly opened its lazy eyes from a deep slumber.
The twilight sun cast its rays into the room from the glass dome above.
A London morning, as always, was filled with a thin mist.
Even this deserted "abandoned station" was steeped in that cool air.
Before the platform awaiting the train's arrival...
A black-haired man in formal attire slowly caressed the exquisite, wax-sealed invitation in his hand, a rather complex smile on his face.
"To think you'd just buy a dozen invitations to the Mystic Eye Collection Train... I should say, as expected of you, Shu..."
Sighing with such emotion...
El-Melloi II, who had specially worn Mystic Eye Killer glasses for this trip, turned his head to look at his top disciple standing beside him.
"...It must have cost a lot, right?"
The Mystic Eye Collection Train.
As the most famous place in the magical world for trading and auctioning Mystic Eyes, it only ran once a year.
Its invitations were incredibly hard to come by, not open to the public, but rather using a member-invitation system.
And Su Shu...
He had directly bought a dozen tickets. For everyone in their group, there were still a few left over.
"It's fine. It's not like you have to pay for it, Teacher," Su Shu said with a smile. "A problem that can be solved with money is not a problem."
"Tsk~ you adorable disciple. When will I ever get to experience the joy of being this rich?"
"Joy... huh? In fact..." the black-haired young man said softly, "—it's you who doesn't want to experience it."
Su Shu turned his gaze to his teacher.
As the Lord of the Modern Magecraft Department, if Waver wanted to accumulate wealth, he could have become a tycoon long ago. The commissions from the magi who sought him out were not something ordinary people could afford.
"Stealing the catalyst of Lord El-Melloi, you were indeed at fault back then. But in reality, you didn't have to bear such a massive debt. It's because you can't let it go, isn't it?"
"Phew..."
Putting down the cigar he had only taken one puff of, El-Melloi II let out a long breath, a bitter smile on his face.
"You un-adorable disciple..."
You un-adorable disciple, why are you just like me, always seeing through everything? Life is already so hard, some things are better left unsaid... don't you understand? As your master, I even take your pride into consideration and don't point out your little schemes.
El-Melloi II smiled bitterly. Because... Su Shu was right.
Waver Velvet, he couldn't let it go.
He had always been obsessed with the death of his teacher, Kayneth.
Although Reines had repeatedly stressed that Kayneth's arrogance had almost certainly sealed his fate in the Holy Grail War... Waver still felt that he was the one who had killed his teacher.
So, just as he relied on nicotine to numb his nerves... he also relied on the fatigue of overtime to numb his body.
In fact, trying to pay off debt by working overtime was like declaring that hard work leads to happiness—it was a wish that could not be achieved through effort alone.
Rather, the more money one owed, the more of a big shot they were.
Waver himself, of course, knew. In his lifetime, it would be difficult to pay off the El-Melloi family's astronomical debt, enough to film a dozen Hollywood blockbusters. He was just... trying his best, as if atoning for a sin.
Waver Velvet and Kayneth El-Melloi were only master and student in name, with no blood relation. That pile of debt could never have been inherited by him.
In other words, paying off the debt was not actually his responsibility. It was just... guilt.
The man named Waver Velvet was still moving forward, burdened by guilt.
After his teacher Kayneth's death, Waver had wandered outside for several years because he didn't dare to return to the Clock Tower. Only after becoming a teacher himself did he belatedly realize just how much Kayneth had taken care of him.
In terms of magical aptitude, he was not a heaven-sent genius like Shu. He was just the descendant of a third-rate magus. Reines's sharp critique was spot on—Waver's Magic Circuits were non-combustible trash.
But for such an insignificant character, Kayneth had still carefully read his thesis and given him, his disciple, enough attention. Those heartbreaking words... were that teacher's way of protecting him. Kayneth was undoubtedly a good teacher. His moral standards were even far above the average magus. If he hadn't refuted his thesis on the bloodline of magi to his face, making it seem worthless, Waver would not have survived to the age of twenty in the Clock Tower.
Take Su Shu himself, for example. The number of assassination attempts he had encountered could no longer be counted on two hands. But the immature Waver Velvet at the time could not understand such good intentions.
And so... only after understanding did he feel so guilty... to the point of no return.
He could no longer say the words "I'm sorry" to his teacher.
...Regret.
Waver Velvet looked up, his gaze passing through the station's glass dome to the gradually brightening dawn of London.
The sky was about to brighten.
But his teacher could no longer see it.
"Professor Kayneth's death was not your fault..." Su Shu lowered his eyelids. "To honor his memory, what you should do is—carry his expectations and move forward."
El-Melloi II was silent for a moment.
"...Thank you, Shu."
The scene was quiet for a moment.
It was such a poignant and touching atmosphere...
But it was suddenly broken by a frivolous female voice.
"Hee... don't waste your breath trying to enlighten him, Shu-kun. There's nothing to say to a blockhead like my brother~"
Listening to the conversation between master and disciple...
Reines, dressed as a noble lady in a high-slit, azure dress with elegant lace gloves and thin black stockings, affectionately linked arms with the black-haired young man and giggled, covering her mouth.
"After all~ Onii-chan is the kind of person who is not only stingy and narrow-minded, but also has a dark and gloomy personality, with various unspeakable quirks, and an ultimate love for sleeping in..."
With a frivolous and teasing smile, the golden-haired girl's azure pupils narrowed into soft, thin lines like a cat's.
"He always puts on a weary, weather-beaten face, but when you do the math, he's actually the one who loves to cause trouble for others the most."
"Guh..."
Critical hit.
True damage is the most real damage in the world.
El-Melloi II clutched his chest. These heart-stabbing words from his adopted sister were like a hundred knives. And he couldn't even refute them.
"Lady, I admit that's an accurate assessment, but at least leave me some face..."
"Lady Reines..."
The silver-haired girl gently tugged on Reines's sleeve. As a caring little cotton jacket, Gray was still a little concerned about her master's mental health.
Unfortunately.
Reines was just like a cat, rubbing her face against the black-haired young man's arm, her azure pupils shimmering.
"Hehe, Shu-kun thinks so too, right?"
After a moment of contemplation...
Su Shu couldn't help but nod in deep agreement.
"...You're right."
"Guh... Shu, you too—"
This affirmation from his top disciple...
Instantly dealt another critical hit to El-Melloi II, like a withering blow to the heart.
"But people are flawed animals by nature. It is because of their imperfections that they seem real."
Pinching Reines's soft cheek...
Su Shu said with a smile.
"It is precisely such a flawed teacher that makes him particularly endearing."
The black-haired young man reached into his coat.
He took out a carefully prepared gift and handed it to his master.
"Today, it's okay for this disciple to take a little secondhand smoke."
"Shu, waah..."
El-Melloi II raised his hand and wiped his moist eyes.
In this entire El-Melloi classroom, it was still this top disciple who cared about him the most.
Taking the luxuriously packaged box of top-grade cigars...
Waver's hands were trembling slightly.
So expensive, I'm really reluctant to smoke it.
"Guh...?!"
Watching this scene of master-disciple affection...
The golden-haired loser, Reines, was struck by lightning.
I lost...
Not to Gray, nor to Olga Marie.
—But... I actually lost badly to my useless Onii-chan!
No, I don't want that!!!
As if seeing the death star of the loser hanging above her head...
Reines clutched her heart, her expression pained.
"So, so sad...! In the classroom, in the lounge, and even in the hospital room when we could have been alone... —in Shu-kun's heart, there's only ever been Onii-chan..."
Su Shu raised his hand and stroked Reines's golden hair, saying with a grin.
"Don't be sad. Because I, who have been a poor host recently, have also prepared gifts for you."
The black-haired young man smiled and, with his fingertip, gently drew a line in front of him. A deep-colored rift slightly opened in mid-air.
Imaginary Number Magecraft.
Su Shu's current body's magical attribute was the rare and elementally balanced Average One. Therefore, he could learn to use any type of magic. But correspondingly, he had no special or proficient bonuses.
Su Shu reached out and, from the void pocket before him, pulled out three carefully wrapped gifts.
With a thought...
The ribbon on one of them untied itself, and the wrapping paper also unfolded. A small, exquisite hat with a black lace trim immediately appeared in his hand. The white rose adorning the hat still had crystal clear dew on its petals, exuding a faint, delicate fragrance.
"It's a little something I knitted myself. The rose was also grown in my workshop. I've applied a simple preservation spell."
To Reines's blushing expression...
The black-haired young man smiled and placed the exquisite little hat on the golden-haired girl's head.
Hmm... it suits you quite well. Reines is cute.
"Although... the craftsmanship is a bit rough, I hope you don't mind."
"Wuh..."
The duplicitous little devil held the small hat on her head, her face a drunken flush. Her delicate body trembled. Looking at the smiling black-haired young man before her, Reines couldn't help but turn away her blushing gaze.
"It's... it's just okay...! I-I guess you put some thought into it—!"
Tsk.
Although she's very aggressive, her defense is still so weak.
Sima Yi... Su Shu's evaluation is that she's not as good as Jie Xu Sheng.
"Next... is Gray's."
As the second gift was unwrapped...
A book with an ancient-style binding immediately appeared in Su Shu's hand.
"This is... a book Master wrote for Gray?"
Gray took it with both hands, a little stunned.
The girl's pale fingertips slowly turned the cover of the book.
What appeared before her eyes was not text... but a musical score that danced on the paper.
She stared blankly, gently stroking the notes with her fingertips. An elegant and soothing melody that touched the heartstrings slowly drifted from the book, enveloping her whole.
"On the surface, it's a book, but it's actually a music box."
Su Shu nodded to the white-haired man beside him.
Melvin wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, a knowing smile on his face.
Although this gift was completed under his guidance, it was made by Su Shu himself, bit by bit.
One couldn't help but exclaim, what a peerless all-rounder...
"I asked Mr. Melvin for advice on Tuning Magecraft to create this musical book. Its melody has a calming effect... —This way, perhaps Gray will feel a little more at ease the next time she encounters a ghost?"
After all, Gray, despite being a gravedigger, was particularly afraid of ghosts.
What a cute contrast.
"Th-Thank you, Master...!"
The girl's limited and nervous vocabulary did not support her in expressing her gratitude.
But the action of hugging the book tightly to her chest, and the blushing happiness on her face, already showed her extreme excitement and joy.
"Gray will... will definitely treasure it!"
"No, it's meant to be listened to. It's okay even if it breaks, because that's my intention."
"O-Okay! Master!"
There was still... one last item.
The burning gazes of the crowd immediately gathered on the last beautifully wrapped gift in Su Shu's hand.
Was it for Melvin? Or for Aozaki Touko?
Or was it still for Waver?
Who else was there to give it to?
The previous recipients were Reines and Gray, such young juniors.
So, was this... left for that Olga Marie?
"No, it's for Add."
With an answer that surprised everyone, Su Shu smiled and unwrapped the package.
A dark,魔性 glowing cube immediately floated in his palm.
"A new Mystic Code I made for you. It's not much... just a new skin for you."
Saying this...
The cube in Su Shu's hand shattered, turning into wisps of dark light that attached themselves to Add's body.
Instantly...
Add's original gold and blue noble appearance was transformed into a silent, deep purple, presenting a dark, gothic style. It even grew a pair of狰狞 little devil horns on top.
It looked much better.
The golden birdcage in the girl's hand rattled. Gray lifted the cube in her hand, and the dark version of Add was cheering inside. It seemed to be very fond of this new look.
"Waaah! I actually get new clothes too?! Al... Ah Shu, my boy then... I'll reluctantly not curse you for this month! I knew you were the best! I've always liked you the most it wasn't in vain picking you up back then... But even so! My heart will always belong to Gray-chan! You, you don't even think about coveting it..."
...Ah Shu.
You clearly wanted to call out that other name, hey—
What kind of nickname is that... that's enough of the creepy mushiness.
"Tsk..."
Gazing at the box of luxury cigars in his hand...
A certain苦逼 overtime worker couldn't help but let out a惆怅 sigh.
El-Melloi II had originally thought he was the big winner!
Now it seemed he had lost completely...
The gifts for Reines and Gray, and even Add, were all carefully handmade by Shu.
The gift for him, his master, was just store-bought cigars.
The difference in sentiment was obvious at a glance.
Money wasn't important.
What was important was that it was a gift made by Shu himself.
I lost...
I lost badly.
In that case, I'll just smoke them all.
The deeply wistful El-Melloi II let out an old man's sigh.
With a惆怅 expression...
He took out and lit one of the expensive cigars he would never have been willing to smoke on a normal day.
However...
What he inhaled into his lungs was not the numbness of nicotine...
But a cool, refreshing magical energy that flowed into his nerves.
A sense of comfort.
Like sweet cotton candy melting in his brain.
"What I would give you is, of course, a product developed by your disciple himself..."
Su Shu said with a grin.
"—The new generation of spiritron cigarette Mystic Code, RELX Six. It draws the purest wind-attribute magical energy."
From the cigar, the drifting smoke...
Formed a line of text that faded with the wind before Waver's eyes.
Happy Overtime
"You kid..."
El-Melloi II, slightly stunned, murmured to himself.
"Who needs blessings for overtime..."
"Hahahaha—"
Everyone laughed knowingly.
In a harmonious atmosphere...
A pair of fair female hands reached out and gently caressed the black-haired young man's face.
"Where's my gift..."
The smiling face of Aozaki Touko, wearing glasses, appeared before the black-haired young man.
"Three times the agreed-upon remuneration."
Su Shu, who had been prepared, took out a bank card from his pocket and stuffed it into the Grand Puppeteer's hand.
"The password is your birthday, Touko-nee."
"I didn't dote on you for nothing..."
Only little girls like to pursue that kind of sentimental stuff. A woman with a mature charm prefers this kind of practical value.
Aozaki Touko揉着 the black-haired young man's face in satisfaction. Her words made Su Shu laugh in spite of himself.
Indeed, no problem.
Operating on himself was also doting on himself.
And it was... a deep, bone-piercing pain.
"Wait..."
As she揉着...
Aozaki Touko dazedly realized that something seemed to be wrong—
"Shu, how do you know my birthday... a woman's age is her deepest secret."
"After all, I was once a student at the Clock Tower. The academic affairs office has records."
"...I'll kill them."
A狰狞 smile appeared on Aozaki Touko's face. She would remember this grudge.
Good heavens.
Doesn't that mean Shu knows I'm... a nearly forty-year-old old woman? Won't he see me as an old lady?
Whatever, age doesn't matter...
As a Grand Puppeteer, Aozaki Touko could freely change her body. Even this current shell was, of course, not her original factory model.
She now held an honorary professorship in the Modern Magecraft Department, fully funded by Su Shu. This was already a statement of her allegiance. Another reason was that she just wanted to leech off this guy, Shu. But he didn't seem to mind at all. Tsk, what if I'm starting to like him?
"Hehe... what a lively family."
A delicate and charming female voice came from the side of the Modern Magecraft Department group.
Following the source of the voice...
Su Shu looked at the bewitching woman in a furisode kimono.
"Miss Adashino, it's been a while..."
Her smooth black hair almost reached her ankles, and her entire demeanor was like that of a bewitching poisonous snake.
A magus belonging to the Department of Policies, Adashino Kiri.
The so-called Department of Policies operated independently of the twelve departments, which is to say, it was the supervisory department of the Clock Tower. She was the one in charge of the Modern Magecraft Department.
"I must say... it's good to see young people with such vitality."
The kimono-clad woman narrowed her eyes and smiled bewitchingly, covering her mouth.
"Beating up Atrum-kun in the classroom is nothing—the big troubles you've been bringing us recently have been one after another, Shu-kun..."
"Tsk, thanks to Miss Adashino's care. And didn't the fines I paid set a new record for the Department of Policies' revenue?"
That's right.
Since Su Shu entered the Clock Tower, the Sleeping Black Magus had never let the Department of Policies rest. The trouble the Modern Magecraft Department had caused in the past ten years combined was not as much as the trouble Su Shu had caused in this one year.
"As for that Atrum fellow... I was clearly saving his life."
Su Shu's words made a bitter smile appear on Adashino Kiri's face. She interpreted it as him showing mercy.
That's right...
Because there were hundreds of eyewitnesses, and Su Shu had installed security cameras in the El-Melloi classroom. Anyone could see that it was Atrum who had made the first deadly move. The magic that rippled in his hand was precisely that bone-corroding, soul-draining Primitive Spell.
Magi were not bound by secular laws. To dare to kill within the Clock Tower, it was only natural to kill him in self-defense. It was just a concussion and a disfigured face. This was indeed showing mercy.
The Galliasta family behind Atrum desperately wanted to cause trouble for Su Shu, but unfortunately, they were in the wrong. In the end, they even had to pay a large sum for the classroom repairs and Su Shu's mental distress.
Unfortunately, that wasn't what Su Shu meant. No one understood his subtext...
After all, according to the FSN storyline...
Atrum, this yellow-haired oil tycoon, would summon Caster Medea in Fuyuki and then immediately die from the witch's backstab, receiving a fresh and hot express bento. Now that he was seriously injured and hospitalized, he naturally couldn't participate in the Holy Grail War. So, I saved your life, Atrum-kun. The reason he was left alive was—Su Shu was thinking about how to drain this bastard's assets. As the saying goes, virtue does not match position. The money he got from the ovarian lottery would be squandered by his own stupidity.
Looking at the black-haired young man before her with a bitter smile...
This was the only guy in the entire Modern Magecraft Department who gave Adashino Kiri a headache. Waver was like a little lamb compared to him.
"Compared to the commotion you've caused in London, Shu-kun, Atrum is nothing."
Remembering the crazy overtime these past few days, Adashino Kiri couldn't help but shake her head.
A few days ago...
Su Shu had directly lifted the anchor of the Holy Spear and blasted Hēphaestion. The璀璨 radiance shot straight to the sky and was seen by almost the entire city of London and the Clock Tower.
Good heavens, is the True God undergoing a heavenly tribulation?
Looking at the direction... Modern Magecraft Department city, Norwich.
The Department of Policies had a huge headache.
No need to think.
If anything big happened in Norwich...
Damn it, it must be Su Shu's doing!
An investigation team was quickly formed, and in the end, it was discovered that it was the missing former department head, Dr. Heartless, who had caused the big mess.
As for holding him accountable... Su Shu directly paid a large fine, shutting the Department of Policies' mouth.
Alright... they could only give a verbal warning, not to do it again.
"Next time for sure."
Su Shu smiled and gave a sincere guarantee.
The Department of Policies was both pained and happy, because their revenue had increased significantly this year, and the overtime bonuses were plentiful.
Thanks to the fact that the internet information industry was not yet developed, the whole fermented situation was suppressed in the vicinity of London and did not spread further. The explanation to the general public was that they were developing new rain-inducing missiles.
The reason Adashino Kiri came here was not to hold Su Shu accountable, but...
"—Dr. Heartless, that former department head is my adopted brother. We were both the adopted sons of the first department head, Norwich."
This secret made everyone present gasp. They had come to this Mystic Eye Collection Train to track down Heartless, and unexpectedly, the other party's purpose was the same.
"Miss Adashino," El-Melloi II frowned deeply. "Dr. Heartless, why did he steal my catalyst?"
"I don't know... my genius brother has always been a mysterious figure. With his magical skills, he could even be the Lord of a department."
Dr. Heartless.
A man who was said to have had his heart stolen by fairies, yet was still alive. His movements were secretive, and he possessed the secret art of teleportation to the fae domain. It was because of this characteristic that he had the name Heartless.
"Rather, are you sure he will appear on this train?"
As Adashino Kiri's words fell...
The gazes of everyone present couldn't help but gather on Su Shu.
"He probably will," Su Shu said with a smile. "Because that's what he told me when we met."
Because that's how the anime plot developed.
But it wasn't convenient to say such a reason.
Although the flow had been disturbed by him, the general direction should not have changed. That Heartless should still board the train.
He had to get back his teacher's holy cloth.
This was also the reason why Su Shu was here.
To be foolproof against that Faker, he had even invited Aozaki Touko to hold the fort.
One could say that the cutting-edge power of the Modern Magecraft Department was now gathered.
With such a lineup, how dare Heartless come? He would definitely not be able to return.
"Heh... then I shall wait and see."
After a short wait...
The strangely shaped Mystic Eye Collection Train, humming with steam, slowly pulled into the station.
Magi with solemn expressions and various attires stood silently before the carriage doors, keeping a wary distance from each other.
From time to time, cautious gazes were cast towards Su Shu's group.
The biggest dark and evil force in the Clock Tower, the El-Melloi classroom of the Modern Magecraft Department.
Now in London, its great and fierce reputation was known to all.
Invitations were hard to come by, so the magi boarding the train rarely came in groups. And looking at this big family... good heavens, the fare alone was off the charts.
The news that Su Shu had single-handedly beaten Atrum into a severe concussion had already spread like wildfire in the Clock Tower.
Under the intentional embellishment of the nobles...
The image of the Black Magus was now becoming more and more mysterious. He had almost become a peerless great demon who would kill a person's whole family at the slightest disagreement and send them to be used as material cans for power generation.
Therefore, even though he looked gentle and humble on the outside, no one dared to come up and get close to him.
Except for...
"Shu... Shu-kun..."
Accompanied by a golden-haired female attendant...
The young lady of the Department of Astromancy, Olga Marie, dressed in a proper and gorgeous outfit, her plump thighs wrapped in bright red pantyhose, walked over from the entrance, fidgeting.
Should I say, as expected of the red series?
Looking at the spreading flush on the other's face...
Su Shu couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement.
Red stockings are indeed pleasing to the eye, but how did your red stockings wrap around your face?
You blush and rub your thighs when you see me, right?
Am I... the kind of催● physique that only exists in H-games?
Su Shu mused that he shouldn't have undergone that kind of big-bird-spinning-style modification.
"Iyah~ Marie, you're here. What a coincidence..."
Suddenly seeing her close friend...
The golden-haired loser, Reines, quickly stuck to her, rubbing against Olga Marie's body in delight and揉着 her face.
"Ye-Yes, what a... what a coincidence..."
Olga Marie's gaze was旖旎 and wavering.
As if peeking, she blushed and glanced at the black-haired young man here with the corner of her eye.
"Tsk."
This scene was so familiar...
El-Melloi II looked at his top disciple with some pity.
Being remembered by these orioles and swallows all day, and still being able to concentrate on magical research, as expected of you, Shu.
Waver was not surprised that Olga Marie was here.
It shouldn't be that she came specifically for my disciple, right?
"Hmm... the Department of Astromancy is a long-established family of Mystic Eyes. Miss Olga Marie, are you here to auction Mystic Eyes?"
"N-No... that's right—"
The silver-haired young lady struggled to break free from Reines's attack.
"My father received news that this time, it seems there will be an extremely precious, even unidentifiable level of Mystic Eye appearing."
"Extremely precious..."
El-Melloi II pondered, pushing up his glasses frame.
"To be evaluated like that by that Marisbury, it must be at least Jewel-rank... no, it must be a Rainbow-rank Mystic Eye that's appearing."
No wonder.
A magus who heard the news would definitely flock to it.
Just at this one stop, there were forty to fifty people boarding. It had never been so lively before.
This train trip was brewing with trouble.
"Shu, everyone. To be safe, let's all put on Mystic Eye Killers before we get on the train."
El-Melloi II took out a few new pairs of black-framed glasses from his pocket.
Mystic Eye Killer.
This was a Mystic Code that could suppress the effect of one's own Mystic Eyes and also slightly block the gaze effect of others' Mystic Eyes.
Including Waver himself...
Adashino Kiri and Aozaki Touko were both wearing the same model at this moment.
After all, Touko herself was an expert in preparing Mystic Eye Killers.
Its disadvantage was that it would slightly affect the flow of magical energy. At a critical moment, one would also have to take off the glasses to activate their Mystic Eyes.
At El-Melloi II's suggestion...
The group immediately put on Mystic Eye Killers.
Reines's temperament became a little gentler, while Gray instantly turned into a literary-girl-type junior.
The black-haired young man, wearing black-framed glasses, looked at his reflection in the train's glass.
Since coming to the Nasuverse, because he had awakened Clairvoyance, Su Shu hadn't worn glasses for a long time.
This look was so nostalgic...
After all, he had often been told before that he looked like Ren Amamiya.
Olga Marie, blushing, observed her designated future husband with the corner of her eye.
After putting on glasses... he seems even more handsome?
The group boarded the train one after another.
Unlike the dim morning light of the station...
As soon as they entered the carriage, the bright lights of the spacious hall immediately hit them.
The luxurious crystal chandelier was dazzlingly bright. The intricate velvet red carpet was dizzying.
The distinguished passengers on the train all turned to look at the newly boarded group, their faces showing expressions of emotion.
"It's the Lord of the Clock Tower, El-Melloi II..."
"The one behind him, it seems, it seems to be Touko the..."
"Shh! Shut up! Do you want to die! You'll be killed!"
"Hoh, interesting. Even the young lady of the Animusphere family, Olga Marie, has boarded..."
"The intensity of this auction... can already be foreseen. The train conductor must be bringing out some real treasures. Even a Rainbow-rank Mystic Eye won't satisfy everyone's appetite, right?"
"No, no, the people in front are nothing. The one at the very back, with black hair, the most restrained aura, have you seen him?"
"The Sleeping Black Magus from a foreign land. He's the most terrifying guy. Anyone at the Clock Tower who dares to cross him will die the next day. It is said that his hands are already stained with the lives of hundreds of magi..."
Listening to these murmuring whispers...
Su Shu didn't feel anything.
Aozaki Touko brushed back her hair, took off her glasses, and a狰狞 smile appeared on her face.
"—Who the hell are you gossiping about! If you look again, I'll gouge out all your eyes!"
In an instant...
Dead silence.
Facing the sneering woman known as Touko the Orange...
The demons and monsters in the carriage immediately fell silent, unconsciously turning their heads away.
"As expected of your style, Miss Touko..."
A helpless smile appeared on El-Melloi II's face.
I wanted to be low-key...
—No, rather, with our lineup, it's impossible to be low-key, right?
As soon as Aozaki Touko opened her mouth...
The already solemn atmosphere in the carriage instantly became almost frozen.
Ignoring the shrinking gazes of the people and their hushed voices...
The dark and evil force of the Clock Tower that had boarded the train directly occupied the most central and spacious round table in the carriage hall.
"The buzzing of these insect-like losers, their annoying gazes are everywhere."
Aozaki Touko threw the personality-switching glasses onto the table, a fierce ripple in her orange pupils.
"It doesn't matter if they talk about me without using that name. I'm already used to it. But Shu, you're just too nice. To the point that any small character thinks they can speak loudly in front of you..."
Hearing this...
The black-haired young man, wearing glasses, with a gentle and elegant temperament, just smiled and shrugged.
"Tsk, it's okay... I'm used to it too. But thank you for your kindness, Touko-nee."
Su Shu couldn't help but laugh.
What a bunch of villains.
Now we've really solidified our reputation as a fierce force.
I must say... after all, I am a villain overflowing with evil.
"Mas... Master, it's so big inside."
Completely different from the ordinary carriage on the outside...
After boarding and entering, the interior was actually a spacious banquet hall that could accommodate several hundred people.
Gray, carrying a birdcage, looked around timidly. In such a magnificent place, she felt a little uncomfortable all over.
"It's space-folding Imaginary Number Magecraft."
El-Melloi II saw the principle behind it at a glance.
"This train carriage itself is already equivalent to a different world... To open up such a large space and have so many monster characters, this auction is truly a grand event in the world of magecraft."
A casual glance...
And Waver had already noticed dozens of formidable figures whose names he could call out.
"Various magical families, the Holy Church, the Atlas Institute..."
"Besides the mysterious Sea of Estray and the Spiral Manor of the East, figures from almost every organization are present."
Indeed.
Su Shu looked up at the banquet hall in this carriage. This space was too luxurious. The magical energy consumption of such a scale of Imaginary Number Magecraft was also extremely large. Compared to the impression from the anime, the Mystic Eye Train at this time was clearly much more magnificent and spacious.
"A variable appeared... so the hospitality has also been greatly upgraded?"
He pondered slightly.
Olga Marie glanced at the banquet hall. Even with her status and experience, such a scene was a first-class grand event.
"Most of the people here... should be here for the Unranked Mystic Eye that the train is said to be auctioning."
She said, and gently snapped her fingers.
The golden-haired female attendant beside her immediately understood. A soundproof barrier quietly spread out, enveloping the Clock Tower group and isolating their conversation from the outside.
The silver-haired young lady raised her hand and introduced to everyone.
"This is my maid and tutor, Trisha..."
Trisha nodded and smiled.
Su Shu gazed at the golden-haired woman's gentle face and frowned imperceptibly.
If he remembered correctly...
This maid of Olga Marie's... in the anime plot, was the victim of the Mystic Eye Collection Train case, and it was a tragic decapitation. She had been given the same signature move as Mami Tomoe.
So... Dr. Heartless was hiding among these passengers?
Su Shu glanced around. After lifting the anchor of the Holy Spear, his current synchronization rate had soared to 10%, and his ability to see through illusions had also been greatly improved. However, he did not detect Heartless's aura.
Because his disguise as Caules was seen through in advance, he didn't board the train?
While he was thinking...
Olga Marie's voice continued.
"Trisha possesses the Mystic Eyes of Future Vision. Therefore, she has foreseen—the name of the Unranked Mystic Eye that will be auctioned on the train."
"It's actually the Mystic Eyes of Future Vision."
An emotional expression appeared on El-Melloi II's face.
"This is an extremely rare and precious Mystic Eye. Its quality is at least Jewel-rank."
Future vision... huh?
Su Shu then thought that his own Clairvoyance also occasionally triggered the function of observing the future.
Those disasters... just thinking about them made him numb.
He couldn't help but ask.
"Teacher, what is the specific difference between Clairvoyance and Mystic Eyes?"
"Right... I haven't explained this to you in detail yet, Shu."
El-Melloi II glanced at his top disciple and slowly began to speak.
"To put it simply, Clairvoyance is a talent. And Mystic Eyes are mutated Magic Circuits, a part of the body's organs. Mystic Eyes can be artificially created, but such artificial creations are basically the lowest grade of trash. Just like your Magic Circuits that are mutated in your brain... many inherited magical families' descendants are prone to inheriting and mutating innate Mystic Eyes."
"That's right... For example, I possess the Mystic Eyes of Flame Color."
Reines took off her glasses, and a fiery light spread in her azure pupils. She winked at Su Shu flirtatiously, a seductive and bewitching smile on her lips.
"It can help me control magical energy, or spy on the flow of magical energy."
"I have the Mystic Eyes of Charm."
Aozaki Touko turned her head and looked at the black-haired young man, a faint pink light spreading in her orange eyes.
"But it seems it doesn't work on you... Shu."
She participated in the discussion with great interest.
In fact, her Mystic Eyes were not just that. Charm was just the most basic function. As for the truth... it was better not to say it.
"Hehe... a third-rate magus like me shouldn't hope for Mystic Eyes."
El-Melloi II smiled and pointed to his own eyeball.
"Let me give you an example. Suppose I also had the talent of Clairvoyance. If my eyeball were to be gouged out and replaced with a new Mystic Eye, as long as my vision is normal, my Clairvoyance would still be effective. But if a Mystic Eye is gouged out, it is truly lost."
"Understood."
Su Shu nodded in understanding.
"Clairvoyance is a passive, and Mystic Eyes are an accessory."
"Tsk, your rhetoric is always so on point."
El-Melloi II couldn't help but exclaim.
And the tacit understanding between master and disciple...
Made it so that El-Melloi II could understand what his disciple really wanted to ask without him having to speak—
"By the way, the highest level of Clairvoyance often has the function of observing the past, present, or future. But the future seen in that way is more like a speculation, just a possibility. In comparison, the future seen by the Mystic Eyes of Future Vision belongs to precognition, which is almost certain to happen. But its precognitive ability is greatly limited in time, generally not exceeding a few days. And the foreseen future must also be a future that one personally witnesses."
"I see..."
As El-Melloi II's words fell...
Everyone's gaze moved to Trisha.
"Must be personally present..."
Aozaki Touko asked Olga Marie.
"So that's why you brought Trisha onto the train?"
"That's right."
Such information was indeed very rare.
But Olga Marie felt that saying it in front of this group of people was undoubtedly the best choice.
"The name of the Unranked Mystic Eye that the train will be auctioning is...
"—the Mystic Eyes of Blood-Drinking."
Mystic Eyes of Blood-Drinking...
Faced with this name...
Su Shu, Gray, and Reines had no reaction.
However, Aozaki Touko, Adashino Kiri, Melvin, and El-Melloi II all frowned deeply at the same time.
"Blood-drinking..."
Aozaki Touko murmured.
"—A name like this, could it be related to Dead Apostles?"
"Dead Apostles, vampire species... this is the ultimate taboo among taboos, the common enemy of the Magus Association and the Holy Church."
El-Melloi II let out a puff of smoke and said with a bitter smile.
"The train actually dares to auction something like this. No wonder so many magi are interested... it's a bombshell."
"Dead Apostles... what are those?"
Despite having been promoted to the rank of Pride...
A year was still too short. Su Shu felt that his knowledge was still somewhat lacking. The discussion of the crowd made him feel a sense of, What the hell is this setting again?.
The Nasuverse is a strange place, isn't it.
"Dead Apostles are the immortal vampire species. The legend of the Twenty-seven Dead Apostle Ancestors and the Crimson Moon is a common terrifying enemy for all magi."
Stroking his violin case...
Melvin said softly.
"The former Marshal of Magecraft, Zelretch, who mastered the Second Magic... It is said that he fought against the Crimson Moon in the third century AD and barely achieved victory. And so, we have the Magus Association that has survived to this day, ahem..."
I've said a bit too much.
The white-haired man wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and smiled.
"In other words... if there was a Dead Apostle here and it smelled the scent of blood... it would immediately pounce on me, tearing and biting at my neck..."
This simple introduction...
Also allowed Su Shu to understand.
Understood. So-called Dead Apostles are just vampires?
Golden-haired vampires, I've had enough of that.
Su Shu, just by hearing this type of setting, knew it was some kind of thing that chose not to be human in pursuit of power.
Tsk, it seems I have no standing to say this.
After all, I am the Savior of the Wicked...
"Hmm... so, it all makes sense now."
El-Melloi II clutched his chest with a complex expression.
There, he had kept the holy cloth close to his body...
"I am now almost certain that that Mystic Eyes of Blood-Drinking must be Dr. Heartless's target."
In the slightly tense atmosphere...
The doors of the banquet hall were gently pushed open.
A gentle female voice also came from the entrance.
"Sorry to interrupt your conversation, distinguished guests."
All eyes gathered.
A mysterious golden-haired woman with a deep red blindfold smiled at everyone.
"I am the auctioneer for this train, Leandra."
The man in uniform standing beside her had a cold expression.
"I am the conductor of this train, Rohan."
"The Mystic Eye Collection Train is about to depart. The auction will be held in the auction hall in three days. Please enjoy this pleasant journey, distinguished guests."
Amidst the roaring steam...
The Mystic Eye Collection Train began to move slowly.
"...Let's wait and see."
El-Melloi II, with a solemn expression and a determined tone, pushed up his black-framed glasses.
"Something big is coming, everyone. This is my deduction, staked on the name of the great detective El-Melloi. Everyone, please be on high alert for the next few days. Something big will definitely happen within these three days! That man, he will definitely appear!"
"Guh...
"No murder!
"No case!
"No abnormalities!
"Actually, nothing happened at all...!
"This... Heartless isn't coming?!"
Three days later...
Sitting in the VIP seats of the carriage auction hall, Waver Velvet supported himself on the table with both hands, an expression of existential crisis on his face as if his soul had left him.
"Tsk, your reasoning doesn't seem to be very good, Waver..."
A half-smile on her face...
Aozaki Touko, beside him, let out a lazy yawn and shook her head with a tsk.
"Where's the big event?
"The big event you said was coming. I've been waiting for three days. The auction has already started. Is it coming or not?"
Sitting on Waver's other side, Su Shu couldn't hold back his smile and began to feel embarrassed for his teacher.
That's right.
Completely contrary to El-Melloi II's determined reasoning...
These three days... nothing had happened.
At first, everyone was on high alert, guarding against a possible sneak attack from Heartless.
Su Shu, who had seen the anime, even had a little plan. He specially instructed Olga Marie and Trisha, giving them pre-made Mystic Codes for protection, with a particular emphasis on strengthening the head's defense.
One Mami Tomoe is enough.
Decapitation... Su Shu is not an R-18G enthusiast.
Olga Marie took the necklace made by Su Shu with trembling hands, thinking it was a sign of his affection. The silver-haired young lady tossed and turned in bed that night, blushing, and had even thought of names for their children.
However... after a tense day...
Nothing happened.
Trisha didn't die.
And there wasn't even the planned sneak attack.
At most, El-Melloi II had accidentally sprained his little toe while having a drink at the carriage bar, and was then paralyzed in bed with a pained expression.
The second day.
Still nothing happened.
Aozaki Touko made a few puppets, and together with Su Shu, they completely set up protective barriers in everyone's rooms. Even a full-powered attack from a Servant could be held off for a quarter of an hour.
After two days of being on edge...
Everyone decided to just give up.
And so, the women in Su Shu's room furiously started a game of mahjong.
Su Shu, with great self-awareness... was prepared to win back the underwear he had lost last time!
And then...
After losing his underwear once again...
He quickly slipped away.
This has nothing to do with skill, okay? It's a game of pure luck.
So Aozaki Touko took his place and fought to the death with the blood-crazed Olga Marie, Reines, and Gray.
A battlefield between four women.
In the world, there was no scene more terrifying than this...
Su Shu recalled that almost suffocatingly murderous atmosphere and couldn't help but feel a palpitation.
That's right.
What they were fighting for in mahjong was—who could stay alone in Su Shu's room at night.
"Good heavens, you don't even ask if I agree, right?"
He made a weak protest.
And received a unanimous answer.
"Is your (Master's) opinion important?"
"...To be fair, that's true."
In the middle of the night...
The orange-haired Aozaki Touko, finally relying on her rich mahjong experience, defeated the two silver and one gold three losers.
What the hell...
As expected, the charm of a mature woman like me will be the final winner.
She turned her head.
Su Shu had already shrunk into El-Melloi II's room and locked the door from the inside.
Aozaki Touko: "..."
The woman known as Touko the Orange took off her glasses and silently lit a cigarette.
"Keep playing. I don't believe he won't come back."
And so the women squatted in Su Shu's room and played mahjong for two days.
Su Shu, on the other hand, squatted in El-Melloi II's room, and the master and disciple had a heart-to-heart conversation about the issue of lifting the anchor of the Holy Spear.
Three days.
Nothing happened.
Waver, sitting comfortably in the VIP seats of the auction hall, was clearly broken.
"Dr. Heartless...
"That guy, he actually... he actually stood us up?!
"Damn it! Damn it all!"
El-Melloi II pounded the table in impotent rage, drawing the gazes of the crowd. His exquisite reasoning had completely turned into a joke.
Su Shu, on the other hand, had expected this development long ago.
After all, if he were Heartless, he wouldn't have come either.
Are you kidding me, what a lineup...
Even Faker himself couldn't fight five at once.
Touko the Orange alone was enough to give that former department head a hard time.
Not to mention, Su Shu was not afraid of Heartless's Mystic Eyes at all.
He now wielded Add, and his combat power was enough to walk sideways in the entire Clock Tower.
Let's see if you have more Command Spells, or if my Holy Spear is more durable.
The thirteen restraints of the entire Round Table were nothing to Su Shu. He didn't need the knights' approval, and Lily and Kay would definitely be on his side.
As long as he had enough magical energy, Su Shu could keep releasing the Holy Spear.
And his current magical energy, after the modification, was exaggeratedly comparable to a Servant.
So...
Shameless people are invincible.
Dr. Heartless had clearly accepted his own weakness, so he was invincible...
With such a regretful sigh...
Everyone turned their attention to the final episode of this trip.
Since they were here...
They might as well participate in the auction.
Su Shu was quite interested in that so-called Mystic Eyes of Blood-Drinking.
In the luxurious auction hall, countless eager gazes were gathered on the central auction stage. This time, there were as many as ten Mystic Eyes on display, and the catalog was presented in the brochure next to everyone's seat.
A mysterious golden-haired woman with a blindfold caressed a transparent glass container filled with a green liquid.
An eyeball, red in color and surrounded by flames, was soaking in the solution.
"First is a Noble Color-rank Mystic Eyes of Burning Flame. As it is the most basic Noble Color-rank, the starting bid is only one million US dollars."
The price rose continuously in the intense atmosphere. Melvin casually bid, but no one from the Clock Tower cared about a Mystic Eye of this level.
Mystic Eyes of Burning Flame, Noble Color-rank, sold for seven million US dollars.
Mystic Eyes of Plunder, Gold-rank, sold for thirty-one million US dollars.
Mystic Eyes of Distortion, Gold-rank, sold for fifty million US dollars.
Time passed steadily.
"...The second to last item, the Jewel-rank Mystic Eyes of Bubbles, sold for six hundred million US dollars! Thank you for your generosity, Miss Olga Marie."
To the gasps of the audience in the banquet hall...
The gorgeously dressed silver-haired young lady put down her bidding paddle with an expressionless face.
This pair of Mystic Eyes of Bubbles, taken from a priest of the Holy Church, was something she was determined to get on this trip, something her father had specifically instructed her to obtain. Its past vision effect would be of great research value for the construction of Chaldea's facilities.
"Thank you, Shu-kun."
Lowering her eyes, the tense expression on Olga Marie's face finally showed a trace of a blush.
Su Shu had helped her bid once, which was a statement. Then, the silver-haired young lady had directly jumped from two hundred million to six hundred million US dollars, tripling the price. Such a determined momentum immediately stunned the entire hall.
"I saved a billion. Although it's not much, Father should praise me..."
These words of a rich person made the corner of El-Melloi II's mouth twitch, and his heart even began to ache...
The final item, not in a glass container, but in a black metal box, was brought onto the auction stage.
Olga Marie bowed slightly, left her seat, and walked down.
Under the envious gazes of the people...
The silver-haired young lady reached out and took the pair of Mystic Eyes of Bubbles that belonged to her from the attendant.
Without any warning...
Voom—
The moment she touched it...
The pair of Mystic Eyes of Bubbles in the glass container suddenly bloomed with a brilliant and psychedelic light.
Olga Marie was slightly stunned.
In that instant...
The flow of time seemed to stagnate and freeze.
The next instant.
BOOM—!
An incredibly violent airflow suddenly raged in the banquet hall, blowing so hard that countless guests could barely open their eyes.
In the spreading gale...
Su Shu grabbed the silver-haired young lady's hand and held Olga Marie in his arms.
His other left hand directly shattered the container, suddenly grabbing the pair of Mystic Eyes of Bubbles in his hand and crushing them.
And yet...
Even with the extreme speed triggered by Sandevistan...
It was already too late for the instantly activated Mystic Eyes.
"Shu-kun, my boy...
"Still such a surprising reaction."
Along with the gentle, calming voice...
A familiar yet strange character stood in the middle of the auction hall.
He was tall.
His hair, as red as a flame, contrasted with his pale skin, making him impressive at a glance.
It was hard to tell his age.
From his twenties to his forties, whatever number he said, it would probably be easy to accept.
However...
Only the corner of his lips, that brilliant, flower-like smile...
Though it was such a gentle and calm smile...
It made one feel... a chill down their spine.
"Past Manifestation...
"You arrived here in advance, and now your past has been summoned."
Su Shu slowly released his right hand from Olga Marie, pushing the slightly dazed young lady towards Gray who was rushing over from behind.
Countless people stared in amazement at the chaotic hall.
"Dr. Heartless, I should have guessed. You tampered with that pair of Mystic Eyes of Bubbles..."
"That's right. Father Karabo was my man. He was hypnotized by me long ago."
The red-haired man's smiling, faint voice...
Made the conductor and auctioneer's faces turn incredibly ugly.
The Mystic Eye Collection Train had made a huge mistake.
Because it was a Mystic Eye taken from a living body...
They... had not had time to check for any tampering.
Heartless slightly turned his head and looked at the grim-faced conductor and the metal box in his hand.
"Give me that Mystic Eyes of Blood-Drinking."
The red-haired man said with a smile.
Incongruous with his gentle tone...
Was the extremely cruel content of his words.
"In that case, I can spare the lives of the people on this train."
"The one who's going to die is you," Su Shu couldn't help but laugh, his spine cracking section by section. "Give me back my teacher's catalyst."
Boom—
The earth trembled.
With an incredibly violent force, Su Shu suddenly punched Heartless in the face, grabbing the hair of the man who was sent flying backward, and kneed him, breaking his right palm with a crack.
Like a rag doll, he fell to the ground.
The red-haired man tremblingly climbed up.
"Tsk, I really can't afford to offend you, Shu-kun."
Even after receiving such a bone-deep blow...
The expression on Heartless's face remained a serene smile.
"Sorry, I, who have no heart, have no such concept as a fatal wound..."
The red-haired man lifted his fractured right hand.
The remaining two Command Spells suddenly lit up.
"Faker—!"
A crimson light suddenly bloomed.
The figure of a black-haired woman instantly appeared in the center of the field.
"A Servant... is that a Heroic Spirit?!"
"Hecatic Wheel!"
Boom—
The chariot pulled by skeletal dragons suddenly crashed down from the sky, causing the ceiling of the banquet hall to collapse.
In a cloud of spreading dust...
The guests who recognized the descent of a Heroic Spirit scrambled backward in disarray.
How could a magus's body contend with the great power from the Throne of Heroes?
As a Servant, Hēphaestion casually knocked the conductor to the ground and picked up the metal box in his hand.
"Got it, Master."
"Let's go."
The swiftest plan.
The most rapid plunder.
After succeeding...
There was not a single trace of lingering.
The red-haired man and his Servant directly boarded that demonic chariot of the heavens.
"Next time... I will definitely crush you and return the humiliation I have suffered a hundredfold."
Facing Su Shu...
Hēphaestion sneered and ran a finger across her neck.
Boom—
The wheels of the demonic chariot took off from the hole in the hall.
However...
Halfway through their flight...
Bang.
Heartless himself, as if hitting an invisible wall, suddenly fell from the chariot and landed on the floor of the banquet hall.
"Master?!"
Hēphaestion descended back down with the chariot. As a magus of the Age of Gods, she understood what had happened at a glance.
"A barrier? No... it's a curse."
The red-haired man smiled and slowly propped himself up, standing up again.
Behind Su Shu...
A sneering Aozaki Touko's figure slowly emerged from the smoke. In her hand, she held a red-haired puppet that looked more and more like Heartless.
Countless, almost invisible threads extended from the puppet and connected to Heartless's body.
"Touko-nee, thank you..."
"No, thank you for bringing me his hair."
"Hair used as a material to cast the Curse of Parting?"
This way, he can't escape.
Faced with this unfavorable factor, Heartless's smile did not change at all.
"Touko the Orange, what a troublesome woman..."
"Dare to call me by that name, and you will surely die here today."
"Haha..."
The red-haired man let out a hearty laugh.
"Actually, I'm a really gentle person. I'm not joking with you. I got the Mystic Eyes of Blood-Drinking. Let me leave, and I won't kill you. If you don't let me go..."
He said with a smile.
"—then I can only kill you all."
"Senpai! Catch Add!"
The golden birdcage was thrown from Gray's hand and caught by Su Shu.
In that instant...
The thirteen restraints were suddenly broken, and a璀璨 spiral cone of light from the Holy Spear appeared in Su Shu's hand.
"Heh... the Holy Spear Rhongomyniad, huh? If it were the full-powered Holy Spear, I would indeed have to avoid its edge, but you can at most unleash ten percent of its power now, right?"
"Enough to kill a scumbag like you."
"Tsk..."
Heartless gently shook his head.
"Shu-kun, do you know why I dared to come before you?"
The sunlight from above...
In a daze, was becoming dim and dark.
Heartless looked up at the hole in the ceiling of the auction stage, which had been blasted open by the Noble Phantasm.
The sun...
Was being devoured.
"Because this is... the Hour of the Eclipse."
A black sun, its periphery flickering with a fiery ring...
Appeared above Heartless's head.
Boom—
Without a moment's hesitation...
Having released the restraints of the Holy Spear, Su Shu directly activated his maximum power. A璀璨 radiance burst forth from the tip of the spear and shot straight towards Heartless's figure.
"Heh..."
Facing the impact of the Holy Spear...
The red-haired man raised his hand and pressed it against his left chest.
From the empty cavity where his heart should have been, a deep, dark light suddenly shone.
"Eclipse of the Sun."
"Eclipse of the Heart."
"Jointly forged—
"Eclipse of this World."
Along with the man's hoarse chant...
A deep black hole suddenly opened before Heartless and, to the twitching corner of Aozaki Touko's eye, swallowed the light of the Holy Spear whole.
"This is... even the radiance of the Holy Spear...?"
"Did you know, Shu-kun— sorry, you probably wouldn't know such a secret..."
Bathed in the black sunlight...
The metal box in the red-haired man's hand began to tremble, and grotesque, vein-like patterns spread across it.
He said with a smile.
"The so-called solar eclipse is the very hole that corrodes the Holy Spear."
"In other words...
"Solar eclipse has a special attack against the Holy Spear."
"Let's go... Shu!"
El-Melloi II's ragged figure appeared beside Su Shu. He patted away the dust and said, coughing.
"Heartless... he is using the hole in his heart to communicate with the solar eclipse. This is a Grand Thaumaturgy that communicates with the world! Hēphaestion... that Faker, she is a magus of the Age of Gods. She had already set up a magic circle outside. Solar eclipse, this is the time when they have nothing to fear!"
"Tsk... as expected of El-Melloi II, you saw through my magic in an instant. You undoubtedly have a talent for dissection..."
The red-haired man shook his head and smiled.
"—Unfortunately, when I wanted to leave, you didn't let me. Now, it might be a little too late?"
Saying this...
The metal box in the man's hand was suddenly opened, and a grotesque eyeball covered in狰狞 blood vessels, which seemed to be hissing, shot out.
He grabbed the blood-drinking Mystic Eye and inserted it directly into the hole in his heart.
Pshk—
"In the name of the Vampire King, Aatrox...
"Communicate with the emptiness of my heart, and the aperture of the solar eclipse—
"Answer my summons, Einnashe!"
As his words fell...
Voom—
The black sun hanging high in the sky...
A deep black hole opened directly.
狰狞 spreading tentacles, opening and closing maws...
A creature of immense size and grotesque form let out its hoarse roar from that black hole in the world.
"That is—?!"
"That's right... only at a node like this solar eclipse can one have a chance to summon it. The complete vampire, the Child of Einnashe."
Boom...
Countless twisted tentacles, formed by tangled tree roots, erupted from the ground, entangling the moving Mystic Eye Collection Train. The carriage swayed violently, and the wheels and tracks emitted a piercing screech.
"This is... my gift to you."
Pshk—
Pulling the blood-drinking Mystic Eye from the hole in his heart...
Heartless let out a muffled grunt, and his skin and face seemed to turn gray.
The狰狞 hissing eyeball drank its fill of blood and calmed down a little. It was stuffed back into that strange metal box by the red-haired man.
"Goodbye," Heartless said weakly, smiling. "I hope you enjoy this gift. Enjoy your own bloody death."
"Shu, let's go first!"
Wanting to pull his disciple's body...
But with El-Melloi II's weak strength, he couldn't budge Su Shu at all.
Aozaki Touko seemed to sense something. She pressed her hand on Su Shu's shoulder. However, a palpitation suddenly hit her heart, forcing the Grand Puppeteer back.
Looking at the black sun in the sky, with its fiery ring...
Su Shu's expression was somewhat dazed and frozen.
"The Holy Spear... was countered?"
10%... 12%... 16%...
The synchronization rate was soaring.
Behind him were his master... his companions... everything he cherished.
His brain was flooded with the vast instinct of protection.
Holding the Holy Spear...
The originally璀璨 light at the tip of the spear suddenly began to flicker.
He felt it...
In that... black sun...
Something seemed to be... calling out to him—
Sssss...
On Su Shu's chest, that black ring...
Seemed to faintly ripple with a brilliant, fiery color.
The light of the Holy Spear...
Suddenly dimmed, becoming silent and deep—
The shadows in the room began to flow and converge.
A dark, lightless armor seemed to be spreading over his body.
The black-haired young man raised the Holy Spear.
The璀璨 light at its tip...
Instantly twisted into a strange, dark spiral, as if to draw in everyone's gaze.
If the Holy Spear is countered...
Then... what about a demonic spear?!
He was going to fire this Spear That is Silent at the Beginning and completely annihilate Heartless's body.
However.
At that moment.
Voom—
To Heartless's somewhat astonished and bewildered gaze...
An intricate summoning circle suddenly lit up beneath Su Shu's feet.
"This pattern..."
A familiar pattern.
It gave the red-haired man an incredibly familiar feeling.
"Heroic Spirit summoning? No, a completely reversed pattern...
"—This is... de-summoning?!"
In a dazed gaze...
The knight in black dazedly lifted his gaze.
A deep blue witch.
An incredibly familiar figure, long since etched into his memory...
Slowly took form within the magic circle.
Accompanied by a pair of pale, soft hands...
As always, they gently caressed his face.
The dark, lightless armor all over his body continuously faded and dissolved.
The black-haired young man, his face cupped by the witch, dazedly looked at the other crying, and said softly.
"Darling...
"I've found you."
mat 200 Chapter (Final)
Honkai 161 Chapter
Lobotomy 110 Chapter
MushokuTensei 40 Chapter
'Pure Evil' Simulator 90 Chapter
Crossover Fic Blue-Eyes 150 Chapter