[111] Wo Long

"Yoo-hoo~! Over here, Reinhard!"

At the capital's international airport, in the arrival hall.

A man with black hair and squinting eyes, dressed like a mountain hermit in a cosplay-style red cloud cloak, with a yellow paper stuck to his forehead, enthusiastically waved a sign that read, "Warm Welcome to the distinguished guests from the London School of Economics."

Leading the group from the Department of Modern Magecraft Theory, a black-haired youth walked up with a polite smile, extending his hand courteously.

"It's a great effort to receive us, thank you."

"Oh my, it's no trouble at all, just treat this as your home..."

Reinhard's right hand was immediately grasped warmly by the man, who shook it vigorously.

"I've been looking forward to your arrival, Reinhard. Truly, your visit graces our humble abode."

"Professor... what are they saying?"

A silver-haired girl carrying a birdcage pulled down her hood and gently tugged at Waver's sleeve.

Listening to the various foreign languages around her, standing in this entirely unfamiliar land, Gray, who had never traveled far before, felt somewhat uneasy.

"That man is flattering your senpai."

Waver, who understood most of what was being said, smiled reassuringly. As a magus who had always been curious about the history of this world, he had a wealth of knowledge about many languages. 

The witch and Touko Aozaki were also equally fluent in many languages, but Gray, a country girl who had never been abroad, struggled.

"Communication might be a bit difficult for others at the moment."

Touko Aozaki was about to light a cigarette but suddenly remembered where she was and put it away again.

Morgan, Tiamat, Gray, Reines, Tezcatlipoca, Touko Aozaki, Heartless, Olga Marie, and the various juniors in the classroom...

Behind Reinhard, the Department of Modern Magecraft Theory's formidable crew stood in an impressive line, exuding an overwhelming aura.

Since this was an academic exchange group, they had to look the part. Everyone was eager to join their senpai on this visit... those who could fight had been brought along by Reinhard.

He planned to understand Philosophy Magecraft first and see what commission that Old Man had given him earlier, only then did he leave for Fuyuki.

King of Magecraft? Solomon? No one said the Holy Grail War couldn't involve the whole family. Didn't Emiya Kiritsugu also bring in outside help from Einzbern?

So, all these behind him were his reinforcements. Solomon, you'd better watch out, we'll take your ass off!

"So, why are you here, Marie?"

The blonde little devil Reines smiled contentedly, rubbing herself against Olga Marie.

"Reinhard is your father's sworn enemy in this Holy Grail War. We're heading to Fuyuki next, to cause trouble for your father, you know~"

The two noble young ladies had now formed an unbreakable alliance.

Learning that Gray was advancing in the race and the witch seemed to be supporting her instead of opposing.

Hence, the hopeful noble girls were trying to garner some favor from the witch, hoping for a chance to get closer.

Even if it's just to help now, it doesn't mean it'll always be the case! Don't let the opportunity slip away!

"What do you mean I can't come?" Olga Marie retorted without hesitation. "My father insisted I get along well with Reinhard."

"Reinhard is going to fight your father."

"Of course, I'll help him fight!"

Olga Marie replied without a second thought.

"I am the heir to the Animusphere family. I know all the weaknesses of the astromancy magecraft my father uses!"

"Hehe... already turning to the dark side, my dear lady."

Reines covered her mouth and giggled.

"Just a while ago, you were still daddy's good girl..."

"I'll plead with Reinhard to spare my father's life. I am helping my father in my own way."

Olga Marie had grasped the truth of saving the family through indirect means.

As long as she established a deep bond with Reinhard and bore a couple of talented heirs for their lineage, her father would be delighted to see the Animusphere family continuing on!

And Reinhard, no matter what, would not bear to kill his own father-in-law, right?

Goodbye, Father... and my former timid self!

"It's indeed a forward-thinking idea, Miss Marie. The Department of Astromancy is nominally under Reinhard's jurisdiction now."

Waver could barely hold back his laughter.

Marisbury, you've raised a dutiful daughter.

"Indeed, a promising young one..."

Morgan shifted her gaze and nodded with satisfaction, her meaningful glance making Olga Marie feel a surge of excitement.

Keep working hard, and life will get sweeter... no, the chances for success will only increase!

With the fusion of Aatrox, Reinhard's Godslayer Token advanced to 3%!

Without the boost of magical power, his strength growth wasn't particularly impressive, but his ability in pounding, well, it had seen a qualitative breakthrough!

Even among the seasoned veterans, no one could match his skill in this particular field.

Nowadays, the witch found herself defeated every half an hour, reduced to a mere warm-up opponent. In recent daily tasks, Reinhard would even go easy on her, preserving her dignity while still providing her with the occasional dose of humiliation.

Morgan was forced to consider how she could find reinforcements to maintain her dignity as the Queen of Britain.

However, the women around her dear were too weak to pose any real challenge, barely able to hold their ground for five minutes.

Artoria seemed like a good candidate, after all, they were family.

Tiamat, on the other hand, was utterly unbeatable. What a nuisance.

(ฅ´ω`ฅ)

Reinhard's body is so strong, surely he can father many adorable children...

Standing beside the witch, a green-haired, pink-eyed girl had tucked away her large horns, appearing as a well-behaved twin-tailed maiden.

However, the terrifying aura she emitted, as deep and vast as the ocean, made Taigong Wang feel an inexplicable chill.

"Reinhard, who is this...?"

"Oh, this is Tiamama. I found the Beast of Regression in Uruk. Seems Hassan hasn't had the chance to inform you all."

Taigong Wang's wrist trembled as he shook hands, the yellow paper on his forehead quivering slightly.

With the impressive entourage from the Department of Modern Magecraft Theory, including many foreigners and various captivating beautiful women, the travelers in the airport couldn't help but cast curious glances their way.

But, it was just glances.

Thanks to a simple presence-concealing spell, to ordinary eyes, neither Tiamat's overwhelming hair nor Taigong Wang's appearance stood out much.

"Your hand is so cold, Taigong. Cold hands can be a sign of deficiency and night sweats. Are you ill?"

Reinhard asked with concern.

Just a brief handshake had revealed a chilling touch that didn't feel quite human, spreading from Taigong Wang's palm to Reinhard's.

"And... why do you have that yellow paper on your forehead?"

"Because, in a way, I am a zombie now, Reinhard."

The Witch of Britain Morgan, the Beast of Regression, and the mischievous Tezcatlipoca...

Not to mention, the most terrifying one was this black-haired youth before him. The intertwining fates of all records, the tree spreading through quantum time lock... he was the most dangerous when he lost control.

Taigong Wang wiped nonexistent sweat from his forehead.

"After all, this world didn't summon me through the Holy Grail War. And as for the situation with the Counter Force... you know as well as I do."

"A body molded from clay, I see."

Tezcatlipoca adjusted her sunglasses, instantly recognizing Taigong Wang's current state. As an Aztec god of the earth, she naturally possessed the power of a land god.

"Well..."

Taigong Wang nodded, giving a middle finger to Tezcatlipoca beside Reinhard with a smile.

"Didn't expect to see you, Tezcatlipoca. Long time no see."

"You didn't expect? Hmph! Who was that earlier who tried to take my place in the Assassin class and ran away with his tail between his legs?"

Taigong Wang's face twitched.

"I'll definitely ask my master to borrow his technique for me and draw a curse circle for you next time."

"You are free to try." Tezcatlipoca laughed. "But don't blame me if my hand slips and accidentally crushes you!"

"What are you here for? Aztec was doomed to destruction long ago. Gaining Reinhard's favor won't help your civilization."

"I just feel like it, what's it to you?"

Tezcatlipoca brazenly clung to Reinhard's arm.

"We are a big family now, understand? After this I'll even introduce my sister to Master~ We'll be one happy Aztec family."

"Tezcatlipoca, if you have any shame left, show your real face instead of this shameless little girl form. Can you do that?"

"Huh~ Stop whining. If you have something to prove, let's fight."

Tezcatlipoca flirtatiously brushed her hair, her soft voice delivering an audacious challenge.

"While you're just lucky to be a Grand Caster because the other two candidates have been disqualified, while me? I don't need qualifications to be a Grand, it's the Grand that needs my presence to prove its worth.

"Even if my saint graph retains less than one percent of my original power, I can still defeat a hundred of you by closing my eyes while carrying Master in my arms."

It's one thing for the women to pull each other's hair over him, but how did Tezcatlipoca end up arguing with Taigong Wang as well?

Reinhard gently ruffled Tezcatlipoca's head, making her close her eyes in a mix of embarrassment and contentment.

"Stop fighting."

His few nonchalant words diffused the tense atmosphere, replacing it with a warm camaraderie.

"Oh, don't worry Reinhard. it's a kid's habit to be noisy.."

Taigong Wang patted Reinhard's shoulder while smiling shamelessly ignoring the little girl's nagging.

"The banquet is ready. Allow me to host a welcoming feast for everyone."

"By the way..."

Taigong Wang lowered his gaze to the blonde girl in front of him.

"Tezcatlipoca, you pay for yourself this time."

"Is that so..."

Reinhard reached into his pocket, pulled out an unlimited credit card, and placed it in Tezcatlipoca's hand.

"Boss, here's your first mission from your Master... max it out."

"Hmph."

Clinging to Reinhard's arm, Tezcatlipoca raised her sunglasses, casting a mocking glance at Taigong Wang.

The fisherman could only offer a wry smile.

"May I interpret this as your way of showing a friendly attitude towards the Aztecs, Reinhard?"

Upon hearing this, Reinhard raised his eyes, locking gazes with the most famed fisherman.

"My stance only represents myself and my close friends. Bringing so many people here for academic exchange should prove my sincerity."

Reinhard smiled.

"I want to take things slow and understand each other better. I hope you won't rush things."

"Apologies, it was presumptuous of me." Taigong Wang said, slowly smiling. "I understand. Rest assured, with me personally hosting you, those clichéd face-slapping scenarios won't happen."

"Huh..."

"Taigong, have you been reading too many web novels?"

"Hahaha, I read web novels every day!"

Laughing heartily, Taigong Wang blew on the yellow paper on his forehead.

Reinhard examined it closely, recognizing the mean of that yellow paper.

"Summoning spell?" Reinhard realized. "I see, so this kind of magecraft can summon spirits to the mortal world."

"Exactly. Unfortunately, it pales in comparison to a Grand Rank, or even a saint graph. Not to mention Noble Phantasms. I can only use some magecraft with my authority, so Tezcatlipoca can indeed beat a hundred of me right now."

Taigong Wang shook his head in resignation.

"Special cases require special measures. This will help me trick Counter Force's eyes for a while before going into a more closed room."

"So, I'm a zombie now. Don't accidentally pull off this paper, or my body will shut down."

"Couldn't you become a female zombie, Taigong? It'd be easier on the eyes."

Taigong Wang gave Tezcatlipoca a side-eye, noticing the blonde girl smiling knowingly at him.

"Sure!"

Cross-dressing? Fine! Today, I will show you, Tezcatlipoca, what true magnanimity looks like!

As the group slowly followed him out, a luxurious tour bus pulled up in front of the Department of Modern Magecraft Theory's tour group.

Reinhard couldn't help but laugh at the sight.

"I thought we'd be using some spells to get around, Taigong."

"We could, but this is the capital airport. Digging into the leylines here would be suffocating."

Taigong Wang smiled and knocked on the car door.

"Look... I did get a lovely lady to chauffeur you, Reinhard."

The door slowly opened, revealing a silver-haired woman seated gracefully at the driver's seat. Her smooth silver hair covered her right eye, and her golden eyes assessed the black-haired youth with interest. Black flame-like patterns climbed up one side of her neck and face, and a gold bell on her earlobe chimed melodiously.

"Taigong, this is no way to treat our guests."

"Just giving them a moment to chat."

Reinhard turned to Taigong Wang.

"And this is?"

"Wuzhiqi, my assistant." Taigong Wang responded with practiced ease. "She and I will be responsible for hosting you and your party, Reinhard. Don't hesitate to ask for anything."

"Nice to meet you, take care of us, Miss Wuzhiqi."

"It's my pleasure to be able to take care of you, Mr. Reinhard." 

While shaking hands, the silver-haired woman looked Reinhard's body up and down while licking her lips and smiling at the woman standing near them.

"Morgan, it's been a while since we've met. Your husband looks quite delicious..."

"You know her, dear?" Reinhard was surprised.

"Ah, no wonder your presence feels familiar." The witch caressed her husband's face and smiled. "I once crossed paths with him while I was searching for you, hubby."

"Huh... It seems that my presence is not needed here..." Taigong Wang sighed, extending his hand. "Please, everyone, take a seat."

Inside the spacious VIP bus, the Clock Tower group settled onto the plush sofas.

Gray peered out the window, dazed by the cityscape outside. Unlike London's damp fog, the sky here was blue, a change she found a bit disorienting.

Waver sipped his freshly brewed tea.

Traveling is indeed enjoyable, especially when traveling on the company's expense rather than your own. It's truly enjoyable.

"Mr. Taigong." Waver smiled and looked at the man in front of him after putting down his teacup, "I am Waver Velvet. As a magus, one of the things I'm most interested in is all things magecraft, if you'd like I hope to learn more about the Philosophy Magecraft system."

"Of course! Since you are Reinhard's professor, we will guide you around, showcasing our Philosophy Magecraft openly. How much you grasp is up to you."

Such is the power of connections.

Reinhard is truly amazing!

Here, nothing is hidden.

Taigong Wang didn't mind showing them. Philosophy Magecraft has never been secretive. It's all out in the open if you know where to look.

The principle is simple: knowledge is available, but few delve into it deeply.

It's like laying out works by Takeda Hiromitsu, Asanagi, Mizuryu Kei, Nanao, Satou Kuuki, and Katsura Yoshiaki in front of you. Even if overwhelmed, you can't consume it all at once. Magecraft requires slow, deliberate study, haste leads to failure.

Moreover, Philosophy Magecraft requires the Philosophy Keys's permission to harness the world's spiritual energy... an arduous task without proper guidance.

"I understand Western magus engrave magic crest upon themselves, drawing from their own sources and the world's to reach the Root individually."

Taigong Wang chatted pleasantly.

"Western magecraft, as represented by the Clock Tower, I've learned quite a bit from Noah."

"As for Philosophy Magecraft, let me briefly introduce it to you curious guests. Simply put, it's inscribed in the foundation of this continent, akin to a vast library."

"Various spells, edicts, breath technique, incantations, rituals, battle formations, internal and external alchemy, and the methods of ritual magecraft... all these fall under what we call Philosophy Magecraft, akin to different sections in a library.

"Here we usually upload our research to the Philosophy Foundation through Philosophy Keys, gaining feedback from it, thus receiving greater borrowing permissions from this vast library.

"To perform Philosophy Magecraft conveniently, we don't need magic crests. We just draw the appropriate book from the library using our Philosophy Keys.

"This verification process decides what spells to use, what rituals to perform, what spirits to summon. Each category has its own rituals and rules, like different doors to the library. If you get stopped, it means failure.

"But if you pass the verification, the Philosophy Foundation inscribed on the continent will activate the geomancy lines, allowing us to perform this Philosophy Magecraft.

"The essence of Philosophy Magecraft is using the greater source for rituals, but that doesn't mean the lesser source is unimportant. Often, the lesser source within our bodies acts as a primer to mobilize the magical energy.

"To summarize...

"The Philosophy Key is your library card. The higher its level, the more books you can borrow, which is your permission.

"Your own lesser source and knowledge of Philosophy Magecraft are your capital. The richer your capital, the stronger the greater source you can mobilize.

"The greater your permission, the more powerful and extensive your magecraft will be. That's the gist of it."

Taigong Wang slapped his thigh and smiled at the others.

"I didn't expect this from a fisherman." Tezcatlipoca praised him while munching on fries. "You seem pretty decent."

"Save it from your mouth."

"I'll use my Philosophy Key to open the Philosophy Foundation. If you have any questions during your study, feel free to ask me."

Taigong Wang's Philosophy Key's permissions were akin to an ultimate VIP library card, able to command leylines and directly construct the Philosophy Magecraft he desired.

Simply put, he's like a VIP member with ultra-high broadband, able to download whatever resources he wants instantly, far removed from the self-deceiving low-quality downloads.

"May I ask, Mr. Taigong?" Gray raised her hand, "What exactly is the relationship between the Summit Court and the Spiral Manor?"

"The Summit Court is the library's administrator."

"Oh, thank you, Mr. Taigong."

The girl understood immediately.

"No need to thank me. If anyone is curious, don't hesitate to ask."

"I find this quite fascinating, Mr. Taigong."

Unable to smoke in the car, Waver sipped his tea instead.

"If Clock Tower can also be mentioned as the headquarters of the Thirteen Faculties, do the Ten Officials of the Summit Court and Spiral Manor also have a similar approach? If so, where is their headquarters located?"

"Well, you might be mistaken."

Taigong Wang smiled awkwardly.

"We don't have a headquarters."

"...Pardon?"

Waver sat up with a sense of interest.

"Could you claim the Department of Astromancy as the headquarters of the Clock Tower? Or perhaps the Department of Policies? Or maybe the Department of Modern Magecraft Theory?" 

"To be precise, the thirteen faculties throughout London together make up the Clock Tower, correct?"

"In the same vein, the entire magus here forms the Spiral Manor and the Summit Court."

"I see." Waver nodded, understanding the implication of Taigong Wang's words. "Factional disputes, then."

"While united on major issues, some schools fiercely compete over the legitimacy of Philosophy Magecraft transmission. But that's an internal matter, not for outsiders to discuss."

Taigong Wang shook his head, uninterested in such disputes despite.

"There is no headquarters, but the Spiral Manor has branches across this land, operating three main institutions."

"Which three?"

"The Museum, the Archaeological Teams, and the Cultural Tourism Bureau."

"The Cultural Tourism Bureau handles public relations, minimizing the spread of magical knowledge among ordinary people.

"Local Archaeological Teams manage fieldwork, staffed by highly skilled magus.

"The Museum oversees various containment tasks and serves as the primary research body for Philosophy Magecraft, with magus stationed at each museum."

Damn, come to think of it, this all makes sense.

No wonder Fuyuki City in Japan could repeatedly rebuild after so many gas leaks.

"You're so accommodating... truly diligent. So, what's the matter at hand?"

Calming himself, Reinhard knew Taigong Wang wasn't just being overly helpful.

Taigong Wang casually conjured a sigil, and a soundproof bounded field enveloped Reinhard.

"There's a segment of history tainted by Nurgle. We haven't pinpointed the location, or rather... we don't dare to. If left unattended, the anomaly could rewrite history chaotically, with unpredictable consequences."

"The Old Man of the Mountain already informed me."

"...Oh." Taigong Wang smiled. "Their intelligence is impressively swift."

"I'll go."

There was no way he would let any of that four shit spread their roots deeper into this world.

"But... strictly speaking, what's your offer?"

"I'll take you fishing."

"...Fuck off."

"Haha, that's a joke. The Philosophy Foundation will grant you the highest permissions for your Philosophy Key, even surpassing mine."

"Deal."

That was what Reinhard wanted, and Taigong Wang understood perfectly.

"However... I can't guarantee success."

"Your involvement alone is a blessing for us. We can't counter that Chaos."

Taigong Wang sighed.

"Life is full of turmoil."

The tour bus pulled up in front of the Imperial Capital Museum.

Leading Morgan, Tiamat, Tezcatlipoca, and Waver behind him, Reinhard followed Taigong Wang into the museum with a solemn air.

In the empty exhibition hall, various antiquities were laid bare on their pedestals, no longer separated by barriers.

"I understand you need to find your specific signpost to travel to that era, correct?"

Taigong Wang rubbed his forehead nervously.

"Artifacts from all over the country, from various eras, have been urgently brought here. Some have been identified, but others remain uncertain. Take a look..."

"These are magical relics imbued with causal transmission. When I touch them, they can extend and merge with the timeline of this world."

Reinhard walked slowly through the corridor filled with artifacts, the atmosphere among the group growing increasingly solemn.

As he passed by a rusty bronze sword, it quivered slightly.

Taigong Wang's expression mirrored the tremor, visibly shaking.

"Reinhard, you-"

"What is this?"

Taigong Wang pressed a hand to his chest, frowning as he struggled to speak.

"The Sword of the First Emperor." Taigong Wang was astonished. "Are you actually the First Emperor?!"

"So, it's the Investiture of the Gods..."

Reinhard's hand reached out to touch the sword.

Click.

Beside it, a heavy, mud-covered broken knife suddenly quivered without warning.

"???"

"And this is...?"

Taigong Wang swallowed hard.

"Seven Killing Knife."

Click. Click. Click....

The knife vibrated more violently, the mud cracking away to reveal ancient characters etched into the blade.

[Heaven creates all things to nourish man. Man has nothing with which to repay Heaven. Kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill!]

"..."

What's going on?

Both the Sword of the First Emperor and the Seven Killing Knife seemed to be calling out to him, urging him to touch them.

But... Suddenly.

In the stunned gazes of everyone present.

Clang....

All the antiquities displayed in the hallway began to shake violently, producing a cacophony of ringing sounds.

"Uh?"

Taigong Wang, who knew where each artifact came from and who it belonged to, couldn't help but be surprised.

"How is this possible?! All those relics belong to different people."

"..."

Hearing Taigong Wang's shock and disbelief, Reinhard's frown deepened.

Every relic was calling out to him.

Reinhard was perplexed.

There was some factor interfering with him.

This might be the only opportunity.

Should he touch them?

Should he refrain for now?

Or should he choose one that he felt a connection with?

Amid the museum's clamor, with everyone's tense and frozen expressions, Reinhard slowly closed his eyes.

"...System?"

[You already know the answer, don't you?]

"...Yes."

The black-haired youth sighed, opening his deep, ink-black eyes with a trace of pity.

"Nurgle often manifests as various forms of famine and plague..."

With a dazed expression, the black-haired youth slowly stepped forward. Amid the resonating clangs throughout the corridor, he approached a barren, lifeless staff that resembled a withered branch.

In the trembling museum, this desiccated staff was the only object that remained still.

It knew long ago that its master would eventually stand before it.

"I will go forth... to heal this land."

Reinhard raised his hand and grasped the withered nine-section staff.

[Detected a compatible relic, initiating the loading of Antagonist Simulator...]

[Loading complete, please draw your initial talents...]

In the swirling gray mist, Reinhard stared blankly at the three talents presented before him.

[One, Pure Heart: Your mind is clear and pure, allowing you to see what ordinary people cannot see and hear what ordinary people cannot hear. You easily attain enlightenment and answers on your path, making you a natural prodigy. The bottlenecks of realms almost don't exist for you. However, due to your exceptional talent, you are also prone to the envy of various demons and evil spirits.]

"???"

"Wait, hold on! What the hell is a Pure Heart? Is the next talent going to be..."

[Two, Forgetfulness: You are inherently skilled at deceit, your words possessing a bewitching charm. It is difficult for you to truly connect with others, and deception has become second nature. In different situations, you seem capable of adopting entirely different personas. If your lies are believed by others, you might even draw some peculiar power from them.]

"...Haha, Pure Heart sounds like a joke."

[Three, Master of Fate: You have attracted the attention of some unspeakable outer entities and established a unique form of communication with them. As Master of Fate, you oversee the fates of others. Your wisdom is vast as the ocean, but the wiser you are, the more you might find yourself lost in confusion. When faced with insoluble dilemmas, perhaps you should seek assistance from those outer entities.]

"I'm really going to fucked up with this shit."

Reinhard's hand started to tremble violently.

The resolve he had earlier began to waver.

"Damn it! What the fuck is wrong with you!"

"Do you believe I won't just quit now, damn it, just kill me already!"

[Aren't you here to heal?]

"System, if you want to torture me, just say so. Can't you just die?"

[How could that be? I love you the most.]

Reinhard raised a middle finger.

As the overwhelming gray mist surged and obscured his vision completely, he felt a mixture of defiance and resignation.

[Talent loading complete...]

[Initiating module: Fallen Dynasty.]