"I know what you want to say. I'll tell you right now!" His voice suddenly became calm, as if the madman from before was not him.
"Your master has suffered countless internal injuries over the years. Even now, I can feel that I don't have much time left." Aoyama Yahiro spoke nonchalantly about his impending death.
Based on what he had just said, and considering that the old man's health had indeed been deteriorating over the past year, Ryougi Raku felt a pang of sadness as he thought about the teachings he had received during this time. He could say that all the changes in him were entirely due to his master.
As if sensing Ryougi Raku's low spirits, Aoyama Yahiro said, "Don't grieve for me. That would be an insult to all the people I've killed in my life. They all lived shorter lives and died sooner than I did!"
After saying this, he laid the two swords he always carried horizontally in front of him, gently stroking them as if they were the most precious treasures in the world, and said, "You just asked me where you could find a weapon suitable for you?"
Ryougi Raku nodded, looked at him with some confusion, then at the long and short swords in his hands, and wondered, "Are you going to give me these two swords? Although these two swords are much stronger than the common ones before and can be considered treasured blades, Master, you should know the uniqueness of my power. Although these swords are precious, I'm afraid they still can't withstand my use."
Aoyama Yahiro's eyes were gentle as he quietly gazed at the two swords that had accompanied him throughout his life. He said slowly, "Do you know what the most powerful sword-forging method in the world is?"
Ryougi Raku shook his head, indicating he did not know.
Aoyama Yahiro didn't look up, as if he already knew Ryougi Raku's answer, and continued, "The most powerful sword-forging method in the world does not use any precious materials, nor does it require any master smith. Instead, it is when a swordsman pours his life's experiences, essence, insights, and most precious life force into the sword that has accompanied him throughout his life!" His words were powerful, his eyes filled with fanaticism.
Ryougi Raku's mind was shaken, and he immediately understood what Aoyama Yahiro meant. He hurriedly said, "Master, although you don't have much time left, you still have a few years, right?"
Aoyama Yahiro finally raised his head, his eyes still burning with passion. "How could I care about those few extra years? Rather than aging feebly, it's better to let my life bloom one last time at its end!"
"I have long contemplated and decided on this idea, but I regretted that there was no one worthy of inheriting these swords. Now, that regret is gone!" He glanced at Ryougi Raku, as if to say, that person is you.
Ryougi Raku fell silent. From Aoyama Yahiro's current strength, one could imagine how powerful he was at his peak. Although his form of existence had surpassed that of humans and he was no longer considered human, his foundation was still the 'human' species. When he began to decline from his peak, with his power, he could have abandoned his foundation and transformed himself into another species, allowing himself to live for hundreds or thousands of years without any problem. However, he insisted on his own path and did not change his species existence. Ryougi Raku certainly could not comment on his master's choice.
"Come with me!" Aoyama Yahiro picked up the two swords and turned to leave.
Ryougi Raku followed closely behind. Before long, an open space appeared before them. It was clearly man-made, with strange symbols carved into the ground, remarkably similar to the Yin-Yang magic they had seen before.
"Since the Divine Light Style focuses on slaying demons and eliminating evil, it's impossible for it to only know swordsmanship. Some magical techniques are also necessary. I haven't learned anything else; the only thing I know is this sword-forging technique." Seeing Ryougi Raku's confusion, Aoyama Yahiro explained.
When they reached the edge of the symbols, Aoyama Yahiro said, "Disciple, stand here."
Ryougi Raku obediently stood in place.
Aoyama Yahiro turned around and looked Ryougi Raku up and down, as if wanting to remember him forever.
"When the time comes, I, your master, will pour my entire being into these two swords. I will sacrifice my body to forge the swords, as a testament to my life's work. After the sacrifice, I believe that besides the immense killing intent imbued in the swords, the only concept they will possess is 'indestructibility'. It may seem useless, but it is perfect for you. I, your master, have spent my whole life pursuing my own path, never giving up, never regretting. These swords should be the same as me!" Aoyama Yahiro remained firm in his choice!
"Yes, Master. I will never let these swords down!" Ryougi Raku had no ability and no reason to stop his master's choice. This was his master's wish, his master's path. All he could do was bless him and make this promise.
Aoyama Yahiro was very satisfied with Ryougi Raku's response. He slowly walked to the center of the formation, inserted the two swords into the ground, and sat cross-legged. Turning his head, he finally said, "I have been stranded here in the final stage of my life. From now on, these swords and I are one. I am the swords, and the swords are me. If you ever have the chance to return to your original world, please take them with you, so that I too can return to my roots..."
Ryougi Raku nodded in agreement, holding back tears, and did not tell him that she and he were not from the same world...
"Master, what are the names of these two swords?" Ryougi Raku asked hurriedly upon seeing that his master was about to begin the ritual.
"From now on, these swords belong to you. You can name them whatever you like!" Aoyama Yahiro laughed without answering. Power surged around his body, and the surrounding light grew bright. The formation was finally activated!
The sun shone brightly from the sky, yet its rays could not outshine the vibrant light emanating from the depths of the forest. Ryougi Raku suppressed the discomfort in his eyes, focused his strength, and stared intently at his master sitting in the center, wanting to forever engrave his image in his heart.
Sweat streamed down Aoyama Yahiro's forehead. Given his fortitude, one could only imagine the pain he was enduring! Yet, his face remained expressionless, his body not even trembling, unconcerned with the sensation. Slowly, starting from his feet, his body scattered like sand blown away by the wind, transforming into tiny specks of starlight that, like fireflies, plunged into the two swords. When the dissipation reached his head, he finally opened his eyes and looked toward Ryougi Raku. His eyes held no regret, only resolute determination, along with blessings and encouragement for his disciple!
Ryougi Raku was silent, a tear finally falling from the corner of her eye. Recalling the short year or so she had spent with her master, and the moment they first met in Kyoto, he was the closest person to her in this life besides her parents and siblings. Even though she knew it was her master's choice, she still felt a pang of sadness.
Gradually, the light faded, and the warmth of the sun once again enveloped everything. The entire magic circle disappeared without a trace. The forest was still a forest, but one person was missing.
He walked over quietly and stood beside the two swords. With trembling hands, he pulled them out. A feeling of blood connection emanated from the blades. The swords radiated waves of murderous intent, but to Ryougi Raku, it felt extremely familiar, as if his master were still standing there.
Imitating his master, he quietly stroked the blades. They were covered in strange purple-red patterns that would make anyone shudder. The hilts were a brilliant purple, a color reminiscent of Eastern France. The entire blade looked as if it were forged from a single piece! The other short sword was identical in every way except for its length, clearly a matched set!
In Ryougi Raku's mind, scenes from a game from his previous life appeared, and he murmured, "This long sword shall be called 'Yama's Blade,' and the short one 'Devil May Cry'!" As if very satisfied with the names, the two swords emitted a faint, trembling glow.
He sheathed the two swords and hung them at his waist. Then, without looking back, Ryougi Raku walked away.
"Let's contact my family first, then decide where to go next! My memory is a bit fuzzy, but the Fourth Holy Grail War should be starting soon, though I don't know the exact time. I'll go and find out!"
"Heroic Spirits... Hmph, I only have a vague impression of you. I don't know how strong you are. Let me test you out!"
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This is a man more idealistic than anyone, yet also in despair because of it.
Emiya Kiritsugu stared blankly at the person lying on the luxurious large bed. She possessed a beauty as noble as a gem and the happy radiance of a new mother. That was his wife—Irisviel von Einzbern.
"It's wonderful to be able to give birth to this child," Irisviel said with a loving, happy smile.
Illyasviel von Einzbern—this was their daughter, an artificial human like her mother.
"Iri, I will kill you one day," Emiya Kiritsugu murmured as he looked at his daughter and his wife's relieved smile.
"I know, Kiritsugu. Isn't this also the long-cherished wish of the Einzberns?" Irisviel replied with a smile, radiating a mother's glow. She had no objection to this outcome whatsoever.
Emiya Kiritsugu didn't know what to say. To fulfill his wish, he had to sacrifice his wife. He knew that if that day truly came, he would make what he believed was the most correct choice. But now, looking at his wife and daughter, even Emiya Kiritsugu felt anxious about that day and fearful of what was to come. He clenched his fists and avoided looking at the mother and daughter who might cause him despair.
…
"Kirei, you will be transferred from the Holy Church to the Mage's Association as part of an assignment and become my disciple," said Tōsaka Tokiomi, the current head of the Tōsaka family, a true magus in the purest sense, speaking with pride.
Kotomine Risei, Kotomine Kirei's father, produced a document jointly signed by the Holy Church and the Mage's Association and said to his son, "From now on, you will live in Tokiomi's residence, studying magecraft day and night to become a qualified Master."
Kotomine Kirei took the document. To him, these things were unimportant. He felt empty inside, confused about his purpose. Even after converting to God, he remained lost. Now, he had this opportunity to learn magecraft, which went against God's teachings, and to seek answers from another extreme. Perhaps he could rid himself of this emptiness and confusion.
"Then why was I chosen by the Holy Grail?" Kotomine Kirei asked in confusion. Indeed, no one understood him, but he himself knew he had no pursuits, no wishes that had to be fulfilled. He had no idea what his purpose was. Why would the Holy Grail choose him?
"Well, it is indeed incredible. The only connection between you and the Holy Grail is that your father is the supervisor," Tōsaka Tokiomi said.
"However, perhaps because of this, the Holy Grail has already foreseen that the Holy Church is supporting Tōsaka behind the scenes. Then, if you obtain the Command Spells, you will undoubtedly assist me! In other words, the Holy Grail chose you so that I, Tōsaka Tokiomi, can win and obtain two sets of Command Spells!" Tōsaka Tokiomi answered with unparalleled arrogance and confidence.
"…"
Kotomine Kirei said nothing. Tōsaka Tokiomi indeed had this confidence. As a magus who had overcome countless difficulties, remained steadfast on his path, and step by step achieved his current status and realm, he had the capital to be proud.
After asking for some basic information about the Holy Grail War, Kotomine Kirei bid farewell and prepared to leave for Japan.
Seeing that Kotomine Kirei had already left, Tōsaka Tokiomi smiled and said, "Your son is truly reliable, Father Kotomine."
Kotomine Risei said with satisfaction and joy, "To be honest, the only thing I, an old man, can be proud of is my son."
"To tell the truth, I didn't expect him to agree so readily."
"He is a very devout believer. As long as the Church orders it, he will carry it out no matter how difficult or arduous the task."
"Now, I can only pray for you. May God bless you on your smooth journey to the 'Root'," Kotomine Risei said to Tōsaka Tokiomi. After all, Tōsaka Tokiomi was also his junior.
"Thank you. My grandfather's last wish, the Tōsaka family's long-cherished desire—that is my life's mission," Tōsaka Tokiomi nodded firmly and resolutely.