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In an instant, Justeaze appeared, and Maiya's slightly relaxed body immediately tensed up. This female warrior, who had been in battle since she could remember, swiftly raised her pistol, aiming it at Justeaze.
Just as she was about to pull the trigger, she saw a face that looked identical to Irisviel. The finger on the trigger hesitated for a few seconds.
In those few seconds, it allowed Maiya to lose the opportunity to shoot. Justeaze's hand released several thin threads, with one of them cutting through the pistol, and the others entangling around Maiya's joints.
Maiya instinctively attempted to struggle but couldn't break free from these seemingly unbreakable threads.
"Miss Maiya!"
In Irisviel's belated exclamation, Maiya felt as if a strong electric current passed through her body. An intense numbness deprived her of control over her body, and soon she fell to the ground, just like Irisviel.
Justeaze, still cautious, added more threads to restrain Maiya, ensuring that even Scathach would need some time to break free. Satisfied, she nodded. Before taking action, Shinji had specifically warned her to be careful in dealing with Maiya, as she was an exceptional warrior who needed to be handled with caution, leaving no opportunity for communication.
"I merely used magecraft to incapacitate Miss Maiya's movements, so there's no need to worry."
Upon hearing Justeaze's words, Irisviel let out a slight sigh of relief. It was only at this moment that she remembered the self-introduction she had heard earlier.
"Um, you said you are—"
"Justeaze Lizrich von Einzbern, your prototype—no, it would be more appropriate to say ancestor or older sister."
"Lady Justeaze?" In the Einzbern family, Justeaze Lizrich von Einzbern was a revered name, and everyone would use an honorific when referring to her.
"If you wish, you can also call me 'sister.'" Justeaze smiled, a smile that inexplicably warmed Irisviel's heart.
"But, but... Lady Justeaze has already..." Irisviel hesitated.
"Transformed into the 'Greater Grail,' right?"
"Yes." Irisviel nodded gently.
"The body of Justeaze Lizrich von Einzbern has become the Greater Grail. What stands before you now is the soul of Justeaze Lizrich von Einzbern."
Justeaze completed the process of transitioning from physical form to spiritual form and then back to physical form.
"I believe you can understand the way I exist."
"Is it really you... Lady Justeaze?"
"It's me. Alright, I know you have many questions to ask. I will tell you slowly later. However, this place is not suitable for prolonged conversation. Let's move to another location. The person who is here to pick me up has arrived."
As soon as she finished speaking, Irisviel received an alert from the defense barrier.
A few seconds later, the specially reinforced steel door, over 5 centimeters thick, was sliced open as if cutting through tofu. Two familiar figures, Assassin and Assassin's Master, entered the workshop.
"Assassin and Assassin's Master!" Irisviel widened her eyes in surprise.
Shinji waved at the sisters of the Einzbern family. "Lady Justeaze, we've come to pick you up. The car is parked outside. Let's go. Lady Justeaze will be responsible for Miss Irisviel, and Assassin will take care of Miss Maiya."
"Wait, wait! Where are you taking us?" Irisviel asked anxiously.
"We're going to Ryuudou Temple. Tonight, I will bring the Holy Grail War to an end." Shinji slapped his cheek and deliberately put on a fierce expression. "Alright, Miss Irisviel and Miss Maiya, I declare that you have been kidnapped."
...
Emiya Kiritsugu and Saber had spent the entire day on the outskirts of Fuyuki City, near the home of the old man, Mackenzie Family. This was the stronghold of Rider and his Master, Waver Velvet. It was an ordinary residence insulated from magecraft—a place where ordinary people lived.
Because of this, Kiritsugu had been unable to determine the whereabouts of the Rider faction. He had never expected a magus base to be an ordinary house, rather than a magecraft workshop.
If it hadn't been for the cooperation of Tohsaka Tokiomi, the hidden controller of Fuyuki City, who shared the information with Irisviel, Kiritsugu would likely never have found Waver's stronghold until the end of the Holy Grail War.
This disguise, taking advantage of the blind spot of magi, made Kiritsugu both impressed by Waver's cunning and conflicted.
In battle, Waver displayed ignorance and cowardice, showing no signs of combat experience.
However, the strategy of choosing a stronghold was incredibly clever, far superior to the blatant establishment of bases by the Three Families and Kenneth.
Many times, a person's ability is determined by their level of experience. Inexperienced fledglings usually lack the necessary skills and are unable to make a significant impact. However, there are exceptions, like Kiritsugu himself. When Kiritsugu first started, he also lacked experience, but he displayed a level of skill and ruthlessness that surpassed many seasoned professionals.
Could this young man named Waver be as formidable as Kiritsugu himself?
The fact that Waver and Rider left just before Saber arrived provided the most compelling evidence for this idea. If that was the case, continuing to wait would be a waste of time.
However, due to Kiritsugu's patience and caution as a magus killer, he remained at an observation point not far from Mackenzie's house. He had Saber hover around the vicinity to attract the attention of any possible appearances of Rider.
The restlessness of wasting precious time conflicted with the cautiousness of not making rash judgments within Kiritsugu's heart.
Just as Kiritsugu was growing impatient with the endless cycle of unanswered questions, his phone, which he carried with him, rang.
The only person who would contact him at this time would be Maiya. Kiritsugu quickly answered the call.
"Maiya?"
"I'm sorry, it's not."
The unfamiliar male voice on the phone made Kiritsugu's heart feel like it was plunging into an abyss. He asked in a voice devoid of any warmth, "Who are you? Where is Maiya?"
"I am an insignificant kidnapper. Your wife and lover are currently in my hands. I called to set conditions."
Kiritsugu, filled with anxiety, had no time to dwell on the term "lover." "What are your conditions?"
"It's simple. Be present at the appointed time tonight. I will deliver the invitation at the appropriate time. As long as you haven't left Fuyuki City, you will receive it. Of course, if you can find me and come to the appointment earlier, you can do so. But I don't recommend it, as it would eliminate your chances of winning the Holy Grail War."
Kiritsugu fell silent for a few seconds, gritting his teeth. "Fine, but I want to hear the voices of Irisviel and Maiya first."
"I'm sorry, I can't fulfill your request because I'm not currently with the hostages. I have already made my demands clear. I hope you will be punctual for the appointment."
"Wait, I—"
Before Kiritsugu could say anything else, all he heard from the receiver was a series of hurried beeps.
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