Since arriving in the Type-Moon world and becoming a magus, Shinji is unwilling to limit himself to just Fuyuki City. He wants to venture out and see more of the mysterious world. The depths of this world are murky, and by relying solely on his exploration, he might unknowingly violate some taboos and attract the attention of dangerous creatures. He needs a guide, and the person he has chosen for that role is Kenneth.
Kenneth, the head of the Archibald family, a Clock Tower lecturer of the First Order, a monarch, a genius – this string of titles ensures that he possesses top-tier intelligence and knowledge within the entire Mage's Association and the mysterious world. With this, Shinji's journey and the development of the Matou family will have the best possible foundation.
However, given Kenneth's strength, status, and pride, he won't simply accept the role of a guide. Even before the start of the Holy Grail War, the Matou family had gone to great lengths to please Kenneth, but he might not even spare a glance at this "declining" magus family.
But the Fourth Holy Grail War presented Shinji with an opportunity, a perfect chance to make Kenneth lose everything, to strip him of all his possessions. The world of magi is cruel – without power, there is no status. A person whose magic circuits are destroyed becomes nothing more than a pitiful existence, no matter how glorious they were in the past.
The El-Melloi family is a banner, with not only the main family, the Archibalds but also branches like the Archibalds. There are many powerful families under its name. It can be foreseen that once news spreads that Kenneth has become powerless, the various families under the El-Melloi banner will be the first to strip him of his family head title and magic crest. Following that, the Clock Tower will remove his position as a lecturer of the First Order. Former enemies will come knocking on his door once he loses his power. A genius who once enjoyed the spotlight will fall from grace, with even his life being in jeopardy.
This is where the Matou family comes into play. Rather than adding insult to injury, wouldn't it be better to extend a helping hand to Kenneth in his time of need? Can Kenneth choose any other option?
Therefore, even though Shinji knew that Saber would let Lancer rescue his Master, he still let Scáthach take the lead. It was to do Kenneth a favor, to gain his goodwill in advance and pave the way for future actions. Chasing down Caster's group can be put on hold compared to the future development of the Matou family.
While Shinji was contemplating his next course of action, he was interrupted by a cool sensation on his forehead. The "Moon Spirit Marrow," manipulated by Scáthach, had somehow transformed into mercury and adhered to his forehead. Treated with magic, this mercury wouldn't evaporate or seep into the skin, causing heavy metal poisoning. If Kenneth could lie in the mercury unharmed, then Shinji wouldn't be affected either.
"Master?"
"Be cautious and act within your capabilities." The mercury quickly transformed, leaving eight Chinese characters hanging in the air.
The wise Queen of the Magical Realm had already seen through Shinji's thoughts, and these eight characters were her reminder. Having finally encountered a promising disciple, she hoped that he would go as far as possible, even to the Land of Shadows, and fulfill her long-cherished wish.
"Yes, Sensei, I will be careful. But why in Chinese?"
"What do you think?"
Scáthach squinted her eyes and looked at the foolish Shinji with a meaningful gaze, causing him to panic and surrender.
"Sensei, your insight is unparalleled. I am truly impressed and wholeheartedly submit." Shinji couldn't believe that Scáthach could see through his intentions. She was indeed a great master.
"Now that you submit, will you listen to your Sensei's words?" Scáthach clapped her hands, and the "Moon Spirit Marrow" returned to the flask, flying into Scáthach's hand.
"I will listen, I will listen." Shinji nodded repeatedly.
"I have taken the 'Moon Spirit Marrow,' and once I finish modifying it, I will give it to Kariya for protection."
"No problem."
Although Shinji felt a bit regretful, he understood his master's choice.
Operating the "Moon Spirit Marrow" required fluid manipulation, and the Matou family's water-based magecraft had a good affinity with the "Moon Spirit Marrow," second only to its original owner, Kenneth. In addition to his exclusive Mystic Code, the "Divine Bow Sword" and "Rune Bullets," Shinji possessed the complete set of Perseus' Noble Phantasms, which were sufficient to deal with various situations. Compared to Kariya, who lacked both equipment and combat strength, this all-in-one offensive and defensive Mystic Code was more needed by him.
Even if Scáthach didn't mention it, Shinji would still give it to Kariya. At most, he would play with it for a few hours to satisfy his desire for collection. After all, this was a five-star Mystic Code that he had obtained after several rolls.
Ahem, it seems like something has been exposed. Oh well, if it's exposed, then let it be. After all, with the genuine item, who cares about the counterfeit? At worst, he could ask Lord Kenneth for the method of creating it and make his own Mercury Terminator Maid.
"I shall return!"
"I will be back!"
...
And that most important line, which also suits the Holy Grail War the most—"There is no fate but what we make for ourselves."
Thinking of these classic lines, Shinji suddenly felt a little excited.
After all, he had been suppressing himself for too long. Although he was still an otaku after transmigrating, he hadn't watched anime or played games in a long time. The only things he could reminisce about were the classic anime, games, novels, and movies he had seen before transmigrating. Rare opportunities like this had to be used to release his fantasies.
"Sigh." Seeing Shinji's eyes unconsciously fixed on the shimmering "Moon Spirit Marrow," as if they had entered another dimension, Scáthach couldn't help but sigh. Was this Mystic Code really that enticing?
Well, no matter how great a master she was, she couldn't cross dimensions and keep up with Shinji's otaku transmigrator's way of thinking. After thinking for a while and not getting an answer, Scáthach didn't dwell on it and continued:
"The amount of the Mystic Code that Kariya can use is not this large. I will make a talisman for you and Sakura with the excess."
"Oh, oh, I knew my Sensei was the best." The gleam in Shinji's eyes was brighter than the lights in the workshop.
"I am the best, but the other person who made a contract with you is not good at all—show some restraint!"
As she spoke, Scáthach turned around and looked at the silent Justeaze, who was hiding behind her, like a child who had done something wrong.
PS: Before the Fifth Holy Grail War, Waver turned Lord Kenneth's "Moon Spirit Marrow" into a maid who could handle household chores. However, Waver had watched too many Terminator movies with the maid, so the maid ended up becoming like a Terminator.