Chapter 76: The Monster of Twenty-Eight is Also on Our Side
Destroy the Lesser Grail.
In practice, this was synonymous with ending the current Holy Grail War. Once the container is destroyed, all Heroic Spirits lose the support provided by the Grail and return to the Throne of Heroes shortly thereafter. At the same time, it was also synonymous with making an enemy of everyone who harbored a wish for the Holy Grail.
It was easy to say, but it was not far removed from falling into an eternal abyss. If the Police Department didn't "slack off" but instead actively worked for him, they might even be implicated.
He still spoke of such sensational determination with that same plain calmness, as if he were quite used to it; once the starting gun fires and he begins to run, nothing can stop him. It was both doggedly honest and completely undisguised—too naive compared to the Clan Calatin.
Joining his ranks would easily shatter the balance the Department had painstakingly maintained. Therefore, this path was a dead end that should not be taken. That being the case, why did such words reignite something that had long been lost?
He simply gave off the feeling that one could entrust miracles to him. It wasn't calculation, nor did it have much to do with steadiness. It was an ambiguous misperception—the kind that refuses to miss any chance to seize a miracle. Even if it meant death, one would not let go, equating this rock-solid radiance with the misperception that a miracle would happen.
But—if a miracle were to happen, it would surely happen to someone like this.
His gaze shifted several times, and his breathing gradually steadied as the Chief felt for his own resolve. In truth, from the very beginning, the Police Department had no choice. One must ultimately bear the burden of the mistakes one commits; in principle, an unrelated person like him shouldn't even have to intervene.
"This theory is feasible."
Shirou listened respectfully, solemnly waiting for the Chief to say what came next.
"But the decision it represents is not one I can answer for alone."
The Chief looked around at the people—tall, short, wide, and thin, all wearing police uniforms regardless of gender—and declared loudly: "You lot, any problems?"
"SIR, YES SIR!!!"
A roar, possessing physical substance, vibrated and filled the white office. Amidst the unified voices, the Chief cast aside his hesitation: "On this matter, we will become your allies.
We do not know where the Master of True Archer, Buzzdilot, is. The Master of True Caster, Francesca, is in her own magecraft workshop, but she has never told us its location.
However... I do know the location of the Master of True Assassin, Faldeus."
Shirou bowed his head slightly in relief—a simple nod. "I'll leave it to you."
"You..." the Chief said helplessly, "Don't go bowing yet. I don't intend to tell you Faldeus's location right now."
"Why?" Shirou asked patiently.
"Faldeus has True Assassin at his side. You are, after all, a human; I don't want you to act rashly and be assassinated by him. Bring all your companions with you next time. At that time, we will discuss our future actions together—provided you are willing to trust me."
One point the Chief hadn't mentioned was that he intended to test Faldeus first to see if he could trick the location of the Lesser Grail out of him. Currently, the Police Department was still "on the dark side" as an ally of Faldeus. Once Shirou's intervention was discovered, there would likely be no further chance to act as a spy.
"True Assassin... one certainly needs to be careful."
False Assassin was a Zealot who had caused Shirou no small amount of trouble. Planning for the worst in all things, one should assume True Assassin is stronger than False Assassin, making solo action a dangerous endeavor. Gathering everyone before acting was the most prudent strategy.
Shirou gave a sincere promise and said at the end:
"I won't say we are fighting for justice. But, let us work hard together for the residents of this city."
"To fight for the residents of Snowfield."
The two men, similar yet different, looked at each other and nodded in unison. Only one carried a clarity that had been there from start to finish, while the other carried the relief of no longer being alone.
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Snowfield Police Department, Noon
When Shirou walked into the Police Department's parking lot, the Bounded Field he had destroyed appeared to have been mostly repaired. Looking back, the Police Department building was bleached white under the scorching noon sun.
"We'll see you off here. You won't face obstacles when leaving the Bounded Field, nor when you enter next time. But since we don't know what your companions look like, we can't put
them on the whitelist. We hope that if they are blocked, you won't choose to forcibly destroy the Bounded Field again... just come in and let us know."
The Chief's female secretary, with her long hair, stood behind Shirou, reminding him of the precautions. It seemed Shirou would have free passage through the Police Department from now on. However, she emphasized "whatever happens, just don't destroy the field" with a hint of tired annoyance; it was clear that repairing the Bounded Field was a thankless and grueling task.
Threaded between the parked cars, Shirou reached the inner edge of the Bounded Field. Before stepping out, Shirou looked back and said, "Sorry for all the trouble I caused you."
"No, we are the ones who should thank you."
One of Clan Calatin, the secretary named Bella, smiled: "We can see that the Chief's mood has lightened considerably."
Even though what they were about to do was more dangerous than before? That question was never voiced. Though it was a question, it did not stem from doubt.
Respecting the choice of the Chief and the Police Department—a choice undoubtedly made without selfish desire—Shirou replied with a friendly and brief "That's good to hear," and stepped out.
The sensation of the Bounded Field brushing over him returned, but this time there was no resistance at all. Shirou was back on the main street. It was as if he had never been here for a secret meeting.
Everyone has a different form of justice. But even so, there are always points of contact between one justice and another. Even for a professional group embedded in the gray areas. Even for an immature fellow who turned from a boy into a young man without ever becoming an Ally of Justice.
The goal of the solo mission was achieved; Clan Calatin had been won over. The Caster camp had become new allies. Heading back the way he came, since there was nothing else that had to be done, Shirou was going home next.
Lunch is always better eaten together. After returning, he'd have to apologize properly for acting on his own; he might even be forced into seiza punishment while listening to a joint lecture from Saber and Sakura. After all, someone was waiting for Shirou.
Among the pedestrians wandering within a membrane of false security, only Shirou looked up at the sky. The azure sky was high and ethereal, yet exceptionally beautiful under the sun's radiance. Mingling with the vast crowd, he began to walk quickly in a specific direction.
Suddenly remembering something, Shirou stopped briefly, took out his phone with one hand, and typed quickly. Finally, Shirou sent the message into the airwaves and resumed his movement through the neighborhood.
[Shirou: Is it convenient to meet this afternoon, Sigma?]
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