The entire 2D world knows that Moon Chefs (Type-Moon fans) were keyboard warriors, and the most debated topic that showcases their combat power is the "Guan Yu vs. Qin Qiong" debate, which discusses the strength of characters in battles.
After a long debate, Moon Chefs reached a consensus and divided the combat power in the Type-Moon world into a pyramid with three tiers.
At the pinnacle of the three-tier pyramid stands the White Giant "Sefar," who almost destroyed Earth's civilization 14,000 years ago. Top-tier Servants such as Archer Gilgamesh and Lancer Scáthach are at the first tier's ceiling, while the original form of Heroic Spirit Gilgamesh and the true form of Scáthach can reach the second tier.
In the present world where Shinji resides, the number of individuals capable of opposing or defeating Servants who possess an average Noble Phantasm doesn't exceed double digits. This includes the Second Magus Zelretch, the Fourth Magus Aoko Aozaki, and some people who can rely on their unique abilities to engage in defensive battles against average Servants. Touko is not on this list.
However, with the gift from Scáthach, having consumed a Golden Apple, carrying thirteen Command Seals, and possessing double-digit Noble Phantasm-level armaments, Shinji already has the power to contend with average Servants, at least until his Command Seals are depleted. This is Scáthach's objective evaluation and the confidence that Shinji dares to engage in a battle on Touko's territory.
With the infusion of magical energy, black beads at the bottom of the artifact exploded with surges of lightning, containing immense power that continuously shook the high-level barrier enveloping the workshop.
Sensing the extraordinary nature of the treasure in Shinji's hand, Touko sighed and raised her hands.
"Surrender, surrender. I was just joking."
"I was just joking too," Shinji smirked and ceased the output of magical energy, causing Indra's Thunder to disappear.
"I had a feeling you weren't an ordinary kid when you came in, but I didn't expect you to be this extraordinary." Touko scratched her head. "Ah, if only I had met you a few years earlier, maybe—no, it's nothing. Don't mind."
Although Shinji was curious about the "maybe" in Touko's words, he knew it wasn't the time to delve into it. He continued with the previous topic, "I wonder if Miss Touko is satisfied with my bargaining chips?"
"Satisfied? I'm more than satisfied." Touko nodded repeatedly. "Do I get everything?"
"Do I look like a fool to you?" Shinji chuckled at Touko's response. He understood the value of a complete runic system that traces its origins.
"It seems like it's not going to work," Touko lowered her head in disappointment.
"It's not that it's impossible—"
"—It just depends on my bargaining chips, right?"
Shinji's plan had already been guessed by Touko.
"Let's make it clear first, I can't sell myself for 'Origin Runic Magic.'"
"Mmm, I know." Shinji wasn't surprised by this answer. "The Aozaki family's attribute is 'Wind,' and the pursuit of freedom is your nature. I never intended to restrain you. Wind is the flow of the atmosphere, and it ceases to be wind if it remains fixed in one place."
"Oh~ You understand quite well." Since they first met, this was the statement from Shinji that pleased Touko the most.
"After all, Miss Touko is one of the most famous figures in the Mage Association. I can't afford to treat you lightly." Shinji casually complimented Touko.
"The most famous, heh, the most famous, I'm afraid it's not a good reputation." Touko snorted. "Anyway, let's talk about how many bargaining chips you have and what price I have to pay—right from the start, that was your plan. You made me sign the 'Contract of Geis' not only for confidentiality but also because you were afraid I would use the condition of making puppets as leverage against you."
"That's right." At this point, Shinji no longer concealed anything. "As one of the ten 'Grand' Magus, there are too many people and forces interested in you. I'm not the first person to catch your attention, and I won't be the last."
"But you're the closest to success."
"Thank you for the praise." Shinji appeared humble but was proud. "I will continue to work hard."
"Well, work hard then," Touko said with a hint of annoyance.
"The bargaining chip I have in my hand includes the complete runic system, including the eighteen 'Origin Runes.'"
"Including the hidden meaning of the legendary last rune that only the main god Odin knows?"
"Of course."
When Odin passed down the runic system to the Norse gods, he kept something in reserve—the eighteenth rune. This particular rune held a special meaning that only Odin knew.
The twilight of the gods, which brought about the demise of the entire Norse pantheon and dealt an unprecedented blow to the runic system, was believed to have led to the loss of the secret of the eighteenth rune. However, no one knew that after the twilight of the gods, Scáthach quietly infiltrated the devastated Asgard, entered the World Tree where Odin obtained wisdom, and deduced the secret of the final rune from the remaining traces. This secret was then passed down to the present through the summoning of the Holy Grail War.
"The price?"
This secret, like Touko's puppetry technique, was unique in the world, making it a seller's market. Therefore, Touko didn't negotiate and directly asked Shinji for his price.
"It's all written here." Shinji pulled out another parchment scroll from his sleeve.
"Another contract..." Touko found it both irritating and amusing. "It feels like you never negotiate like this before."
"There's no other way. I'm young, lacking in cunning, and insufficient in ability, so I can only use straightforward methods." Shinji laughed with a simple and honest expression.
"Heh~" Touko laughed with disdain. She had seen through the disguise of the old monster pretending to be a child. She naturally classified Shinji as one of them.
"Why doesn't anyone believe the truth when it's spoken?" Shinji rolled his eyes.
"I believe you, big brother."
"I believe you too."
The comforting words from Sakura and Fujino became Shinji's final consolation, but it only made Touko despise him even more—was it enjoyable to deceive underage girls?
"Cough, cough. Look at the contract. If there are no issues, sign and seal it."
The contract Shinji gave to Touko was somewhat similar to the contribution point regulations in online games, where reaching a certain contribution point would allow for the exchange of corresponding items.
He listed the prices for the eighteen Origin Runes, twenty-four Derived Runes, and various runic magic clearly in the contract. Touko could obtain them through various means.
The exchanged techniques were solely for Touko's research and usage, and under no circumstances were they to be leaked without Shinji's permission.
For example, this time, the business of creating two puppets could be exchanged for a complete set of twenty-four runic charts.
At the end of the parchment scroll, there was a special clause: contribution points could be overdrafted without limit. However, if they were not repaid within a certain period when Shinji requested Touko, it would carry a certain degree of enforcement. The higher the overdraft limit, the greater the enforcement.
Touko looked at the contribution point limit on the twenty-four runic charts and then at the total value of the entire set of runic techniques. Suddenly, she felt as if she would have to work for him for the rest of her life.
However, Touko also knew that Shinji's terms were not harsh and that he had indeed come with sincerity. Moreover, she couldn't resist the temptation of the Origin Runes. In the end, she gritted her teeth and signed her name.
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