Chapter 154

Standing atop an unfinished commercial building in another world that belonged to his family, Shinji looked at the red flames illuminating the night sky and couldn't help but sigh.

There was no artistry at all.

It was just a small controlled explosion, far from the grand, sky-reaching blast he had originally envisioned.

Feeling somewhat bored, Shinji shifted his gaze to Kirei, who was standing beside him, also watching the flames.

He thought about how he had helped deepen Kiritsugu's suspicions and fear of Kirei. It wouldn't be fair if he didn't mess with Kirei a bit as well!

"Speaking of which, to blow up the whole building... It's hard to imagine he's a mage. Or should I say, he's good at doing things that mages wouldn't expect?"

Hearing Kirei's words, Maiya, hidden behind a steel column near the unfinished elevator, didn't dare make a sound. Her gun was already loaded.

"Kotomine... Kirei..."

"Huh?" Kirei didn't turn around. His tone was filled with pure curiosity, "We should be meeting for the first time, right? Or is there a reason you must know me? Then I can also guess your identity. Don't just let me do the talking. Woman, just give me an answer. Where is the man who should be here instead of you?"

As he spoke, Kirei threw the bat familiar his Servant had found outside the church towards Maiya.

Bang! Bang!

Swish!

Clang!

The fight was surprisingly short. Unlike the author, Maiya calculated Kirei's position from his footsteps, rolling towards another cover while firing several shots.

Kirei simply threw two Black Keys, successfully disarming Maiya and wounding her hand.

Hearing Kirei praise her skills and seeing him summon six more Black Keys, Shinji knew the time had come—

In an instant, Kirei felt the eerie sensation of being watched by a deadly presence, as if a lethal snake was staring him down. He noticed a smoke grenade thrown from a certain direction, covering his nose and mouth as he searched for the source of that chilling gaze.

Terrifying... It was utterly terrifying!

In that instant, Kirei felt that the person watching him could easily take his life if they wished!

Could this be Kiritsugu Emiya? That gaze...

After the smoke cleared, Kirei didn't immediately focus on the smoke grenade at his feet. Instead, he looked at his hand, which was sweating from that brief moment.

At that moment, despite finding the opponent more cold-blooded and terrifying than he had imagined, Kirei felt a strange thrill rising within him.

It was like when he urged his teacher to make a quick decision last night, hearing his teacher's overly conflicted and reluctant voice. At that moment, he had an odd desire to see his teacher's usually graceful and composed face change...

What was this strange feeling?

Why did he feel this way?

Why...

"Kirei-sama..."

As Kirei puzzled over his feelings, Assassin's voice came from behind him.

"I remember saying not to reveal yourselves outside without permission."

"I deserve punishment, but there's urgent news. First, we've finally tracked Caster. Second... we've been exposed! Even our true names have been revealed..."

"What?"

...

Returning to the church, the first words Kirei heard from his father were, "Son, I can't protect you anymore!"

"What happened?" Kirei asked.

"The news of your collusion with Tohsaka and my shielding you has reached the Holy Church. This is their directive. You must leave the church and join the other Masters."

Kirei frowned but said nothing. Though he had anticipated this when Assassin was exposed, he hadn't expected the Church to act so swiftly.

"If I continue to show favoritism, the Church will forcibly intervene, even sending a new supervisor."

Realizing the situation was irreversible, Kirei nodded. "Understood, Father. I will leave the church shortly."

"Don't worry. Even without my support, as long as Tokiomi's Servant is there, you can achieve our desired outcome."

"Father, there's something else. We've investigated Caster thoroughly..."

...

At dawn, Fuyuki's church summoned all Masters to a meeting.

Only four familiars attended.

The main announcements were:

Kotomine Kirei, with his Servant still alive, will no longer receive protection from the church and has left this morning.

Caster and his Master are responsible for the recent spate of kidnappings and murders in Fuyuki. The supervisor has invoked emergency authority to temporarily change the rules. All Masters are to cease fighting each other and focus on eliminating Caster. Additional Command Seals will be rewarded for Caster's defeat!

...

Living temporarily with an Australian immigrant family, Waver couldn't help but complain after hearing the announcement.

"Covering for his own son and colluding with one side, then just brushing it off without any punishment is too much! And no penalties at all... Tch!"

In contrast, Shinji was in disbelief upon hearing the news.

The Holy Church really stepped in??

This news was unbelievable... No, wait!

Shinji quickly realized that many knew the Church wanted to meddle in the Holy Grail War, but they only had supervisory authority so far!

They wanted more involvement, which was nearly impossible.

But now, given this chance, the Church wouldn't let it go.

Understanding this, Shinji saw why Risei was eager to have everyone target Caster.

If the Church intervened directly, it would be disastrous, akin to Shinji dismantling the Grail system in his previous world.

In short: everyone would have to stop playing!

"Extra Command Seals for the one who kills Caster and another for confirmed collaborators? The old man is desperate. But... can Tokiomi command Gilgamesh?"

At the Tohsaka mansion, just as Shinji suspected, Tokiomi was extremely frustrated. Even with Caster's location from Kirei, he couldn't command the King of Heroes!

Using another Command Seal?

He'd have to be crazy!

Yesterday's "accident" disrupted all of Tokiomi's plans and created a rift with Gilgamesh, making things worse.

The Church's involvement... Who ratted us out to the Church? I want to curse you in every language I know!

"Kirei, we can't let other Servants kill Caster first. Keep monitoring."

In the basement, Tokiomi rubbed his forehead and gave orders, unable to think of a better plan.

"I understand, Master."

Kirei nodded and left the basement.

For some reason, seeing his usually composed teacher looking troubled made Kirei's heart race.

What was this feeling?

Was this really excitement?

Why was he excited about seeing his teacher in distress?

Why...

Kirei didn't understand his feelings yet, adding to his confusion.

But Gilgamesh, observing Kirei since morning, understood and decided to guide him...

So, after Kirei issued orders to Assassin, Gilgamesh entered the room Tokiomi lent him.

...

At dawn, hearing Zayd's report on Caster's workshop location, Shinji was incredulous.

That abandoned factory?

Impossible! I checked it with Lancer; no one was there!

But after hearing another discovery from Zayd, Shinji understood. Caster had relocated!

Zayd, while tracking Caster, found another site with lingering magical energy.

Damn...

Shinji felt a surge of anger but realized it was possible.

His investigations and the increased police patrols in Fuyuki might have prompted the move.

Ryuunosuke's counter-surveillance was strong, especially with Caster's cunning help.

Cunning like a fox, they'd never stay in one place long.

Zayd couldn't breach Caster's workshop wards, so Shinji ordered him to stay close and wait for a chance to eliminate Ryuunosuke...