Rodric was Many things, a Priest, An Executioner, an Exorcist, and a member of the Chivalric Code with a job a many to do. From Hunting down and Catalogueing Dead Apostles up to Slaying Vampires all around the world, to Exorcising Foreign entities from the Living.
These were his Duties, His Jobs, His Norms, something that he cannot and will not change for anything. He was in England Currently for the Foreign Priest exchange program as each branch of each country was to learn the practices of one another to promote unity. Rodric could live with that, Honestly it was the Perfect way for him to meditate as foreign soil and air always tasted best, it was a Vacation of to an extent, all was Perfect until Tonight.
"Rodric, You are a Master Candidate." Father Charles told him straight as the younger of the two nearly dropped his chalice within the Table of the Holy Church's Main Branch in England. Rodric immediately leered at the Experienced Priest of their Organization silently asking to Quit Pulling on my Leg, for such a declaration.
Only to receive a Chuckle from him. Dio Mio.
"You think of This as a joke?" Charles shook his head almost giggling. "This, Boy," He passed a stone to the confused Italian. "Is the location to where you can get your Catalyst, Find it in your own time to study the building's ins and Outs. You are quite Fortunate as You are the first to be identified by our confidant, and basing off of records, 4 years early to be exact."
"First of all, Why do I have to fetch a Catalyst? When Summoning from what I remembered can be done with a Heroic spirit that will most likely be similar with the Master to avoid in fighting, and Second of all, Why did the grail choose me? I have no such desires for it. Nor the Tall tell signs of a Command Seal formong anywhere on my body" Rodric took a furious bite of his meal before continuing his rather heated rant. "This, Holy Grail, Why am I allowed to participate? I am a Priest, and Part of the Holy Church, an Organization that originally Oversaw the Previous Grail wars."
This was unnecessary.
Charles stood up and walked over the Italian exchange Priest, placing a knowing smile and hand on their shoulder. "Being Chosen does not mean you have a wish, that you personally want to be fulfilled. God does not Whip anything out whilly Nilly, You know of this as it was in your studies as a Priest and Exorcist. a Random chance, as you, Young People phrase it, Dumb Luck, or RNG but it can be an opportunity to allow yourself to be more 'Human'."
Rodric's face scrunched up still confused as to what the older man was partaining to. He admits his Social Skills were... Subpar at most but he fan effectively communicate with little to no trouble and as for his Humanity... Well he was Human enough.
"You have access to the Libraries, so I suggest you read up on the Previous Grail wars. It might enlighten you." was all Charles had said before leaving a confused Rodric.
"Dio Mio." The Italian Muttered.
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It was the next morning and Rodric was Particularly intrigued by Father Charles' choice of a catalyst. A Scimitar, out of the MANY weapons in the Museum the Scimitar wad the only real Piece of history. "This was Stupid."
And he had the right to think of it so, as the Holy Church had multiple Artifacts of multiple historical figures, direct summons of Titanic proportions. If his memory served him right they had the bones of Sir Roland of France, a Solid Knight and Cavalry Servant if he was allowed to alas Father Charles thought differently. "I could just summon a servant the old fashion way—"
"And where would the fun in that be?~~"
Rodric quickly allowed the prana from his mana circuits to fuel the White gloves to release his Ash Lock weapons, a Pata/Gauntlet sword aiming it at the source of the unsettlingly smooth baritone voice. "Show yourself."
And show themselves they did, It was an Old man around his 50's that had a white beard that covered his chin that reached his adam's apple which was connected to his side burns and rather normal swept back hair. He wore a Suit with an open coat and a priest stole, like his own and Father Charles, except it was blood crimson with golden highlights instead of the calming blue and navy. The Man Bowed slightly, curtly if you will. "Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg within Your Presence, Master Candidate. My apologies, had I, Startled you."
"Old man Time, The Magician of the Second True Magic, Kaleidoscope, and the 3rd or was it 4th Dead Apostle within our and the Mage's Association's records." Rodric inhaled sharply through gritted teeth, this man, This Monster was Far too strong even with his skills and 'Magecraft', Against someone who can watch and interfere within the insurmountable Parallel worlds, He was but a speck. "A, Pleasure being within your presence your emmine—"
"As much as I would LOVE to be treated as royalty bu quit the formality and ask your questions." Rodric's Eyes widened as the Strongest Creature was waving off the formalities... and was drinking a dirty martini from a glass flute... Where did that come from? "Well boy, I have all eternity to wait, but do you?"
"Firstly, Why am I a Master Candidate, Secondly, I read about the Grail's rather... interesting traits and am curious if you had something to do with it and Thirdly, Can you conjure up a drink for me as well? You have no idea how stressful it is to find out you are a Master, a Pawn, a Sacrificial lamb for a Blood Sport. Also, I read about the Grail War being scheduled every 5 years earlier and now every 25 years, is there something wrong with the grail?" The priest watched as the Old man conjured a Novelino from the 1900s and fashion a Wine Glass on Rodrics hand before the bottle opened and poured itself on the drinking medium, it was cold, the perfect kind for him, with none of the Heretic Ice cubes that some of the English had done in front of him. Why put ice on perfectly good wine?
"The Grail Seeks what it seeks, It is Sentient, Most likely the Grail is getting lazy with scheduling and has decided to make it a quarter of a century so it can 'sleep', and No. In that order." Zelretch said in a rather formal Smug way, something Rodric had no clue was actually possible but lo and behold he had witnessed it. "So with that out of the way, make sure to entertain me, Eye of Sirius."
Rodric's Eyes stung.
And God Almighty, Did he scream.
Just what did that Monster do to me!