Chapter 250: Relics and Magic Crests (Part 2)

Generally speaking, magi crests are unique hereditary items within each family. They represent the cutting edge of a family, embodying the aspirations, hopes, techniques, and experiences of the family. They serve as proof of succession within various magus families.

If the crest is not implanted within oneself and if one does not prepare to eventually become a part of the crest as a magus, then it loses its meaning.

"What? It's too abstract, and you don't understand it, readers and translator-kun?"

That's normal. Shinji didn't understand it at first either, so he translated this statement using his otaku theory.

Magic crests are like "extra skill levels" in games, such as "XX Skill Level +1" attached to certain equipment. They can significantly increase the skill level of a specific skill or even a series of skills.

However, not everyone can use these extra skill levels; they have three conditions.

First, you must have the corresponding skill. If you don't, the unused weightings will cause rejection reactions, and you might end up dead if you're not careful.

Second, you must be prepared. When the extra skill level enhances you, the skill levels you have cultivated yourself also become part of the extra skill level. If you're not prepared for this, you still won't be able to use it.

Third, the "extra skill level" is considered a type of equipment. If it's not equipped with the corresponding skill, it won't have any effect.

Based on these three limitations, after Touko obtained so many magic crests, she didn't use them directly herself. Instead, she manipulated the original owners of the crests, who were imprisoned, in undisclosed ways to harness the power of the crests.

Now that Alba is dead, that method naturally can't be used anymore.

"—Could it be returned to the Cornelius family?"

Upon hearing Shinji's joke, a slight smile appeared on Touko's face, and the coldness and darkness that surrounded her diminished.

"Of course not. I plan to transplant this crest onto Sakura."

"What?" Shinji couldn't understand Touko's idea and blurted out in English.

Just a moment ago, we were discussing the issues of compatibility and rejection. Why are we disregarding them now?

What surprised Shinji even more was that after thinking for a while, Justeaze agreed with Touko's proposal:

"This idea... has a certain feasibility, no, it has a high feasibility."

A Puppeteer who can manipulate the magic crests of others to make them her own, and an Alchemist who can restore magic circuits and magic crests. The likelihood of both of them making mistakes simultaneously is almost nonexistent, making this idea feasible.

But why is that? Could it be that the Matou family and the Cornelius family have some undisclosed connection? Or is it just a coincidence that Sakura and Alba have a high compatibility? Or... is it about human modification?

Thinking of the last possibility, Shinji couldn't help but shudder. If he hadn't intervened, Zouken Matou would have forcibly modified Sakura using his Worm Magecraft, changing her "Imaginary Numbers" attribute into the "Water" attribute that aligns with the Matou family, completely separating her from the Tohsaka family and making her a Matou. But this kind of modification would come with great pain and side effects, and Sakura's tragic early life was a result of this.

"No, I absolutely won't let Sakura undergo such inhumane modification, absolutely not!" The determination he made when he traveled through time not only wasn't diluted by time but became even firmer.

This time, both Touko and Justeaze couldn't keep up with Shinji's thoughts.

"Inhumane?"

"Modification?"

"Isn't it?"

The three of them looked at each other, finally realizing that they were not on the same page.

"You go first," Touko said to Shinji.

So Shinji revealed one of the secrets of the Matou family to Touko.

"No wonder Sakura is so attached to you. No wonder you clash with mainstream magus ideologies. So, this is how it is in the world of magus. Such things are not uncommon, and there are even more extreme cases. However, it is indeed too cruel for a five-year-old girl. Don't worry, although I am a magus, I haven't reached the point of sacrificing humanity for the sake of magecraft research and harming my kind..."

Unintentionally, the phrase "my kind" expressed Touko's attitude, although neither Shinji nor Touko realized it at that moment.

"---To transplant the Magic Crest, some adjustments and adaptability training are indeed necessary, but it won't have a significant impact on Sakura, just a little painful."

"So you're saying Sakura and Alba have really good compatibility?"

"Yes, indeed," Touko nodded. "The compatibility of Magic Crests depends primarily on the corresponding type of magecraft. Alba specializes in Rune Magic and Puppetry, which are also Sakura's main areas of study."

Shinji still didn't understand. "Then why don't you use it yourself? You're more suitable for it than Sakura."

"Because of the attribute. Alba's attribute is 'Fire,' and my attribute is 'Wind'—hold on, let me finish. I know what you're going to say. Sakura's attribute is 'Imaginary Numbers,' not 'Fire,' so why can it work?"

"There are two reasons. First, having different attributes doesn't necessarily mean transplantation is impossible. Elements with the same attribute, like your 'Water,' my 'Wind,' and Aruba's 'Fire,' tend to conflict. But Sakura's 'Imaginary Numbers' is a fictional attribute that generally doesn't conflict with non-fictional attributes."

"Secondly, Sakura's biological father, Tokiomi Tohsaka, also had the 'Fire' attribute, and her sister, Rin Tohsaka, possesses all five attributes, including Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Void. This proves that the 'Fire' factor runs in the bloodline of the Tohsaka family."

During Touko's stay in Fuyuki City, she couldn't resist Sakura's plea and went to the Tohsaka household to help Tokiomi, who was already on the brink of death. Although Tokiomi was beyond medical help, Touko managed to alleviate his suffering. Through this process, she became acquainted with the members of the Tohsaka family.

"By meeting these two criteria, the remaining physiological rejection reactions are the easiest to resolve. Moreover, both you and Sakura have a natural advantage in this regard, with bodies that possess extraordinary endurance and adaptability beyond ordinary people. I don't know what happened to give you these traits, but they can help Sakura accept the Magic Crest. I believe it's because of these characteristics that Justeaze agreed with my proposal."

"Yes, that's right," Justeaze's response aligned with Touko's expectations.

She was more aware than anyone else of Shinji and Sakura's uniqueness. The combination of their inherent talents, Scathach's rigorous training, and the effect of the Golden Apple resulted in bodies that shouldn't exist in the present world.

"If you're still unsure, you can experiment on yourself first. If you can successfully accept the remains of Souren Araya, then Sakura can certainly accept Alba's Magic Crest."

"Alright, let's do it!" Seeing the unwavering attitudes of the two, Shinji had no reason to hesitate.

After discussing the matter of the spoils, the three of them, who had been busy for most of the night, finally reached the time to rest. Before parting ways, Touko threw a statement at Shinji.

"Even idiots can see that something is wrong with this situation. You should explain to the people who care about you, just like you gave one to me."

"I understand. I've already thought about it. Tomorrow, I'll explain everything to everyone."

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