In a park somewhere on the island nation, tourists were laughing and chatting happily, completely unaware of the war that would soon unfold, living their numb yet contented lives.
Matou Kariya watched the children playing on the lawn and laughing by the fountain, and he himself seemed to brighten considerably.
Among the crowd, he spotted the figure he had been dreaming of at a glance. Though she was married, and he wasn't sure if he should meet her, he cherished every encounter.
Seeing Tohsaka Aoi's delicate face, Matou Kariya desperately wanted to care for her and help solve any problem she might have, but he knew he wasn't qualified.
"Ah, it's Kariya." Seeing Matou Kariya approach, Tohsaka Aoi greeted him with a smile.
"It's been a long time. You seem very busy with work lately." Her tone was gentle, polite, and carried a hint of distance.
"Ah... yes." Every time he faced her, Matou Kariya never knew what to say, only managing a foolish smile.
With a quick glance, he spotted another figure.
"Rin-chan~!" he called out happily.
Tohsaka Rin heard the call, saw Kariya, and ran over joyfully.
"Uncle Kariya! Did you bring me a present?" Rin stretched out her little hand with a smile.
"Don't be so rude, Rin..." Though Tohsaka Aoi was scolding her, her tone was very gentle, showing her affection for her child.
Kariya smiled as he pulled out small gifts, handing one to Rin.
"Wow, it's so pretty... Thank you, Uncle!" Rin happily took the brooch and thanked him with a smile.
Patting Rin's head, he held another gift and asked curiously, "Rin, where's Sakura?"
Rin's smile faded, and she whispered, "Sakura... she's gone."
Kariya didn't understand and looked at Tohsaka Aoi, hoping for an explanation.
Tohsaka Aoi's expression darkened as she whispered, "That child... has gone to the Matou family."
Matou Kariya's smile froze on his face.
…
"I heard Tohsaka's younger daughter has been adopted?" In the old Matou residence, the gloomy atmosphere couldn't suppress Matou Kariya's anxiety and anger.
"Kariya, if you weren't such a failure, why would I need to do this?" Matou Zouken said with a disgusting smile.
"Regardless, even if the Matou family has no heir, we still need a magus to represent us. The Holy Grail must be in our hands."
Matou Kariya could no longer suppress his anger and hatred, roaring, "Is the Holy Grail really that important? Do we have to obtain it?"
"Of course!" Matou Zouken said coldly, "And who gave you the right to speak to me like that?"
Ignoring the threat in his words, Matou Kariya said in a low voice, "Then, if we can obtain the Holy Grail, we won't need Tohsaka Sakura anymore, right?"
Matou Zouken narrowed his eyes and said temptingly, "Indeed. What are you trying to say?"
"Then let's make a deal! I'll win the Holy Grail War, and in exchange, you release Tohsaka Sakura!" Matou Kariya said firmly, facing this immortal monster.
"Hmph! What qualifications do you have to bargain with me? You're a worthless piece of trash who hasn't received any training!" Matou Zouken said disdainfully.
"You have a secret technique that can manage it, right? Use your insect magic!" Matou Kariya said slowly, gritting his teeth.
"Well, that's true. The affairs of the Matou family should be resolved by the Matou family." Matou Zouken replied with a satisfied yet malicious smile.
Matou Kariya didn't realize that, deep down, besides his guilt towards Tohsaka Aoi and his resentment towards Zouken, his deepest hatred was reserved for that man. It was the sum of all his hatred. He was the root cause of everything, and Kariya simply wanted revenge on him.
"Yes, it's all Tokiomi's fault!"
…
Heathrow Airport, London, England.
A figure walked out slowly. He was only about 1.5 meters tall, but his childish face indicated he wasn't very old. Indeed, for a 12-year-old boy, this height was quite sufficient.
His appearance attracted much attention because his attire was so peculiar. Not to mention the kimono, the strange boots on his feet, and even the haori-like feather robe were surprising. However, if a 21st-century otaku from another world saw it, they would surely exclaim: This outfit is way too similar to the captain's uniform from Bleach!
Ignoring the two katanas hanging at the boy's waist—clearly prohibited items—it was a mystery how he passed through airport security! Though the boy looked young, the mature expression on his face made people look twice.
Ryougi Raku had gathered enough information about the Holy Grail War. To find an opportunity to participate, he came to the magus's stronghold.
The two swords at his waist were already enchanted with spells to make ordinary people ignore them. Additionally, thanks to his connection with the Ryougi family, so-called contraband meant nothing to him.
As he walked toward the exit, he pondered his decision.
He couldn't remember the details of the Holy Grail War, but he had some impression of the participating Servants: Saber, Archer, Lancer, Rider, Caster, Berserker, and Assassin!
Ryougi Raku could fight his way through the Holy Grail War alone, killing every Master and Servant he encountered. But although Ryougi Raku desired to battle strong opponents, he wasn't foolish. Such disruptive behavior would undoubtedly make him public enemy number one. Even if he wasn't afraid, it wasn't the act of a wise person.
Therefore, joining the Holy Grail War as a participant was the best option. Caster, Berserker, and Assassin were the first to be ruled out—they were too useless to him. Archer was next. Though incredibly powerful, his fighting style didn't suit Ryougi Raku. Most importantly, with that kind of personality, he'd probably want to kill Ryougi Raku first! He admired Rider's philosophy, but he was still a king with his own pride. To some extent, he wouldn't obey Ryougi Raku. Such a Servant, no matter how good, had to be discarded. Thus, the most suitable candidates were Saber and Lancer!
Saber was actually the best choice. Though a king, she was also a knight. As long as it didn't contradict her path, her chivalric beliefs were perfect for him. But he had no idea where the Einzberns were. Even if he went, defeating a thousand-year-old clan like the Einzberns alone would be difficult, even if they weren't combat-oriented. Given time to react, they would likely summon Saber. Then, given Saber's personality, even if he obtained her Command Spells, it would be useless. A complete waste of time.
After much thought, Lancer seemed the easiest option. He was loyal, completely obedient, suited his fighting style, and once summoned, would be the quickest way to gauge a Servant's strength! And that was precisely why he had come to London!
Lost in thought, he sensed a figure rushing toward him in a panic. It was Ryougi Raku standing in his path. He could have dodged, but why should he?
With a thud, Ryougi Raku didn't budge, but the person colliding with him fell to the ground.
"Oh, sorry, sorry! I didn't notice someone was there!" The person quickly apologized in a flustered tone, scrambling to their feet.
"Ah, it's fine. Just be more careful next time." Normally, Ryougi Raku would respond with a smile and wouldn't draw his sword over a minor incident.
"Yes, yes!" This was a young man with dark green hair. He looked about the same height as Ryougi Raku but much older. However, he lacked the demeanor of an elder, bowing and apologizing to the obviously younger Ryougi Raku. He wore a green suit that matched his hair. Ignoring his submissive attitude, he appeared quite refined and gentlemanly.
"Well, I'm really sorry. If I get the chance, I'll definitely make it up to you! But I really have something urgent right now, so I have to go!"
Ryougi Raku stepped aside and gestured, "Go ahead."
"Thank you, thank you!" Noting the long sword at Ryougi Raku's waist, Waver Velvet was quite surprised, but he didn't dare look longer and hurried away.
His panic was understandable—he had just stolen important items from his mentor. If he didn't run now, he might not get another chance!
Watching Waver Velvet's retreating figure, Ryougi Raku smiled slightly and murmured to himself, "It seems I came at just the right time!"
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A five-star hotel in London, England.
Ryougi Raku sat by the window, sipping tea and gazing at the distant Big Ben. That was the headquarters of the Mage's Association, the Clock Tower itself. A powerful barrier surrounded Big Ben, preventing ordinary humans from discovering the magi's secrets and thwarting hostile intrusions.