"Oh? This is…"
As Roy tore the crimson fragment from his neck, the magical seal restraining its power broke, releasing the distinct aura of an Age of Gods relic into the room.
Even Matou Zouken couldn't help but cast a curious glance at the ancient, otherworldly energy.
Roy didn't bother hiding it. They'd be allies in the Holy Grail War, so their Servants' true names would inevitably be revealed.
He handed over the backup relic he'd taken from his professor's estate.
"Ho? Truly an Age of Gods aura—a fragment of a Noble Phantasm spear… Quite the find. The Clock Tower nobles sure have deep collections. First the Book of the Law, now a divine relic."
"Crimson spear, Rune engravings… This must summon Ireland's Child of Light, Cú Chulainn, right? If summoned as the optimal Lancer, he'd be impeccable, but as Caster, it's a pity. Still, I've heard tales of Cú Chulainn mastering Runes, his magical prowess rivaling great Druids, so this relic is flawless."
Zouken examined it closely. Though he couldn't read the Rune inscriptions, his experience let him identify its origin easily.
While he regretted not summoning Cú Chulainn as Lancer, he didn't dissuade Roy.
Stronger Servants benefited them both, but their alliance wasn't fully sincere—each harbored their own schemes.
No doubt, once other enemies were eliminated, they'd clash over the Grail.
Seeing Roy choose Caster, Zouken secretly relaxed. Though Cú Chulainn had some Caster aptitude, it was far less threatening than his masterful Lancer class.
With his preparations and a double-maddened Berserker Lancelot, Zouken was confident he could defeat him.
Unbeknownst to Zouken, he overlooked Lancer's cursed Luck E and the infamous blue spearman's spinning thrusts.
"Lancelot and Cú Chulainn—both impeccable Servants. Our Heroic Spirits are set. Now for the rest of the preparations… and tactics."
Ignoring Zouken's hidden motives, Roy narrowed his eyes and continued.
"Recently, you mentioned the girl Kariya wants to protect—Tohsaka Sakura. So, the one who stole her from him was…"
"Tohsaka Tokiomi."
Zouken answered.
"Hm, the Tohsaka head, as expected… Quite the tangled fate."
Roy feigned a knowing smile.
"Compared to me, an outsider, you know far more about the Three Families, Elder Matou. What's your take on Tokiomi?"
Roy pressed, fully aware of Tokiomi's gem magecraft and fire affinity.
But he kept silent. As an outsider magus, he shouldn't know too much about the Tohsakas. He needed to guide Zouken to reveal it himself.
His knowledge came from past memories of media, limited to main traits due to time constraints. Detailed, complex intel was missing.
Before battle, consulting Zouken, who knew Tokiomi well, and tweaking plans based on his intel was wise.
"Tokiomi… Hmph, a textbook magus, lacking true talent. His only merit is his obsession with magecraft."
"He adheres strictly to magus codes, fanatically pursuing the Root and preserving his legacy. That's why he sought a family to adopt his heir."
Zouken shook his head, disdain in his eyes.
Honestly, he scorned Tokiomi's foolishness and pitied Nagato Tohsaka's descendants. But recalling how his own heir, Kariya, was outdone by that goateed brat darkened his mood—one reason he constantly called Kariya a failure.
As for his other descendant, Matou Tsuruno… Even worse. His talent was below second-generation magi, unworthy of cultivation.
'As expected, the Tokiomi from my memories.'
Roy nodded slightly.
"Tokiomi's manageable, but his Servant might be trickier."
"Indeed. Tokiomi alone is no threat, but the Holy Grail War involves both Master and Servant."
Zouken narrowed his eyes, proposing, "I have a plan."
"Let's hear it."
"I'll have Kariya, that fool, pose as Berserker's Master, fighting in the open, while I act in the shadows. He'd love a chance to settle scores with Tokiomi, right?"
A cruel smile spread across Zouken's face.
"Hm?"
Roy raised a brow, smiling faintly, pondering before responding.
"A solid plan. Kariya controlling Berserker in the open lets you move freely in secret, potentially catching other Masters off guard."
"With your Caster and Kariya's Berserker drawing attention, the plan's success rate is high."
"But, Elder Matou, how do we disguise it? The Matou family's magi are indeed diminished, making Kariya a good choice, but Tokiomi and other Masters aren't easily fooled. If they spot flaws, they'll grow wary."
Roy prompted, baiting Zouken into action.
"No worries. I planned for Kariya to control Berserker. As one of the Grail system's founders, the Matou have tricks others don't know."
Zouken rummaged through a bookshelf, presenting a pre-prepared magical tool to Roy.
"This is the Book of False Attendants, a magical tool I crafted long ago for deception. Using one Command Spell, it temporarily transfers Command Spells and control. With this, Kariya can fool other competitors. I've ensured his loyalty, and with Sakura in your hands, he won't betray us."
"Transfer two Command Spells, let Kariya use them up, fake Berserker's exit, then I reclaim control—a clever tactic."
Zouken rubbed his chin, musing.
As one of the Grail's three creators, his experience and knowledge were unmatched.
In moments, he'd devised a viable, high-success plan, earning Roy's reluctant respect.
Makiri Zolgen…
Worthy of being Hohenheim's friend, a once-brilliant genius. Even with a decayed soul, he's not to be underestimated.
***
If you enjoyed this story, don't forget to drop 5 stars and your power stone. And if you want to read more than 70 chapters in advance, feel free to visit: pat reon . com / KangTL