Seeing Kuzuki lying lifeless in a pool of blood after being swiftly dealt with by Archer following Caster's defeat, Shirou averted his gaze, a hint of sadness in his eyes.
Shirou didn't entirely blame Archer. Kuzuki was relentless even after Caster's death, but there was still a sense of regret in his heart.
Rin, while feeling a tinge of pity, was more relieved that Caster was dealt with. Looking at the temple left by Medea and the immense mana from hundreds of people, Rin began calculating in her mind.
She felt a bit guilty, but since this life force couldn't be returned, it would be a waste not to use it. After a thorough two-second consideration, Rin turned away, searching for the temple's leyline node.
"Saber and Berserker seem invincible; why can't I take a bit of leftover mana? It's just recycling waste!"
Feeling justified, Rin continued her search, ignoring Saber's curious inquiry: "Rin, what are you looking for?"
"Our alliance ended when Caster was defeated," Archer said with a tense tone, making Saber raise her eyebrows and grip her sword tighter.
Rin, still searching, responded without turning around, "I'm looking for the leyline node. The vast mana left here will dissipate if left unattended."
"Wait, are you planning to use that mana?" Shirou asked, puzzled. "That's the townspeople's life force..."
"Of course," Rin replied, hand on her hip, looking completely justified. "It's already here and can't be returned. Letting it go to waste isn't the Tohsaka way!"
Shirou sighed, his mouth twitching.
Ilya, sitting on Berserker's shoulder, giggled. "Even if you get that mana, you still can't beat me. The mana I can use is far greater in quality and quantity than what Caster gathered."
"Don't underestimate me, Ilyasviel!" Rin retorted, clenching her fist. "You're just connected to the Fuyuki leyline! If I cut that off, you won't be invincible!"
"Can you cut it off?" Ilya asked, swinging her legs.
"Damn it!" Rin knew she couldn't and silently cursed. Who doesn't know the Fuyuki leyline belongs to the Tohsaka family? Did you pay to use it? Annoying mana thief!
At this moment, Saber pulled Shirou aside, whispering, "Shirou, Rin's idea isn't completely wrong. With your mana shortage, you could use the mana here."
"Can I?" Shirou scratched his head, smiling sheepishly. "I don't know much about that kind of magic…"
Saber glanced at Ilya, who was humming while swinging her legs on Berserker's shoulder. "Shirou, you could ask..."
Before Saber could finish, Ilya spoke up, "Shirou, your contract with Saber was incomplete, which is why she can't receive your mana properly."
"Is there a way to fix that?"
"If you ask for my help, I can tell you how to use the mana here and assist you."
Ilya's innocent smile warmed Shirou's heart. So heartwarming!
Rin, hearing this, quickened her search for the leyline node, muttering, "Even competing with me for this?"
"Archer! Help me find it!"
"Saber!"
Saber called Shirou and nodded slowly. Shirou hesitated, glancing at Rin. "But Rin was first…"
Ilya, carefully set down by Berserker, said, "Rin said this mana is unowned, so there's no need to worry."
"Then I'll give it a try. Thanks, Ilya."
"No need to thank me, Shirou."
"I'll just try then…"
As Shirou turned to search for the leyline node, he felt something breaking apart. Rin and Ilya noticed it too.
"The temple is collapsing?!" Rin watched in disbelief as the mana stored dissipated rapidly, most of it merging into the leyline and the rest vanishing into the air.
Rin clutched her head in despair, "My mana!"
"It wasn't yours to begin with, right?" Shirou remarked awkwardly.
"Shut up! Unowned things belong to whoever finds them! Ah… my mana… just a bit faster…"
Ignoring Rin's lament, Ilya analyzed, "It might be a self-destruct mechanism, triggered when the owner dies. Given that Medea was a sorcerer from the Age of Gods, it makes sense to include such a measure."
At that moment, Shinji Matou, standing outside Ryuudou Temple, tossed a now useless brick fragment into the woods and prepared to leave. Before he could descend the first step, Rider appeared and grabbed him, instantly vanishing with him.
...
At the Einzbern mansion, Shinji sat bewildered as Bazett examined him, claiming to check his condition.
"Was I kidnapped? Why would Bazett kidnap me?" he wondered.
"All good. You're fine," Bazett concluded, then sternly faced Shinji, "Even if they're acquaintances, it's dangerous for ordinary people to get involved in Servant battles!"
Shinji quickly realized why he was here. Rider had discovered a special task force consisting of Saber, Archer, and Berserker targeting Caster. After silently mourning the ill-fated sorceress for a moment, Rider reported to Bazett.
Bazett ordered Rider to follow and help Archer's Master discreetly. Not that it was needed—Caster was swiftly defeated with no suspense. Rider prepared to leave but spotted Shinji sneaking around with a brick fragment, destroying the leyline node.
After observing this, Rider reported Shinji's presence to Bazett. Bazett decided to bring Shinji back for his safety.
...
"Stay until morning. It's safer that way," Bazett insisted firmly.
Before Shinji could respond, Bazett turned to Rider, "Rider, continue patrolling tonight. Be careful and stay hidden."
Unaware of anything amiss, Rider nodded and prepared to leave, but paused when Shinji addressed Bazett, "Bazett, let me check your arm. I know a bit about prosthetics."
Rider suddenly realized leaving them alone might be a bad idea. She overheard Shinji asking if Bazett had bathed, and Bazett confirming it.
"I need to take care of my prosthetic as well as my body," Bazett explained, as Shinji sat beside her, meticulously examining her arm.
Shinji's thoughts were simple: since she's been so kind to check on me, it's only fair I do the same. This was the fourth time after all!
Outside, Rider cursed her Master's shamelessness. How did I end up with such a shameless, lecherous Master?
Her frustration manifested as claw marks on the wall. Bastard! When will you act? If you don't, I might just do it myself!