Legend has it that in Fuyuki City, Japan, when night falls, two figures, like shadows, roam the streets and alleys of Fuyuki! They transform into darkness to combat the crimes that the law cannot tolerate!
Yes, it's the temporary duo of Detective Shinji Miyafuji and rookie Officer Lan Sir!
Together, they managed to (accidentally) capture a group of human traffickers and locate their hideout, rescuing children kidnapped from various countries!
In front of an unfinished building in the suburbs, Shinji sat on a bruised and unconscious thug, while looking at the dozen or so traffickers that Lancer had knocked out on the ground. He felt speechless.
Who would believe that while tracking Ryunosuke, they would stumble upon an actual human trafficking ring?
He didn't remember any plot like this!
Moreover, it wasn't just the traffickers. They also caught three thieves, taught a lesson to two young punks trying to harass girls, and prevented a gang war between biker gangs...
Shinji was confused. Was this really the Fuyuki City he knew? Wasn't this Gotham City?
Looking at Lancer, who was tying up the traffickers with a bright, eager look (ready for more), Shinji couldn't help but silently complain.
Bro, what are you here for? Do you remember your identity? How did you get so into this?
Unaware of what Shinji was thinking, Lancer felt exactly as he looked—thrilled!
It was exhilarating!
The frustration from his Master (Kayneth) didn't bother him anymore.
Fighting evil and upholding justice felt so damn good. If only his Master was this type of person… cough! No, he mustn't think like that. His Master was great! Truly exceptional!
Although Kayneth still distrusted him, Lancer had learned from the book Sola gave him how to properly interact with his Master in this era. He knew how to gain his trust!
First, never appear smarter than the boss! Absolutely not!
Second, never point out the boss's mistakes directly. In front of others, pretend not to know, just agree with everything. Praise the boss as wise and brilliant!
Then, when alone, gently suggest improvements: "Boss, I think your plan is perfect, but maybe tweaking here and there might have different effects. I'm a bit slow, so I need your guidance."
Third, occasionally and "unintentionally" show some personal desires and ambitions.
Only then will the boss feel he has complete control over you and see you as just one of his subordinates!
Lancer believed that if he followed these steps, his Master would soon trust him completely!
Hahaha! The future is bright for Diarmuid Ua Duibhne!
"Mr. Miyafuji, excellent work."
Returning from his thoughts, Lancer sincerely praised Shinji. Just now, this Mr. Miyafuji had demonstrated swift and precise combat skills, taking down two armed traffickers while Lancer had been handling fifteen others with restraint.
Hearing this compliment, Shinji rolled his eyes and looked at the dozen traffickers groaning behind Lancer.
"Sir Lancer, that doesn't sound like a compliment. Compared to your skills, mine are just amateurish."
Realizing he had praised incorrectly, Lancer corrected himself with a smile, "No, no, Mr. Miyafuji, your combat techniques were flawless. Compared to you, I'm just a brute with strength. And your intellect, deducing their base from a partial footprint left behind, is something I could never achieve."
Listening to Lancer's polished flattery, Shinji couldn't help but marvel at how quickly Lancer had mastered the art of smooth talking from an article he had written as a joke. Lancer's comprehension was top-notch!
Looking at the diverse group of children kidnapped from all over the country, Shinji smiled warmly and stood up, saying, "The police will come soon to take you home to your families. The bad guys will be taken away too, so don't be afraid..."
Before he could finish, a group of little girls rushed to Lancer, surrounding him. Their eyes sparkled with stars, making Lancer shine even more.
Seeing this, Shinji thought: With such charisma, how could any Master like you? You've charmed all the girls, leaving me with a few boys. Who wouldn't dislike you?
"Who are you guys?"
A skinny boy in a dirty white shirt asked.
Hearing the approaching police sirens, Shinji turned and walked into the darkness, stopping briefly to adjust his hat.
"Just a passing ally of justice."
At that moment, a red-haired boy who had been kidnapped after school that day by traffickers awoke. Those words etched deeply into his heart, perhaps to grow into a towering tree in the future.
...
Since it was a major nationwide case, not only did all Fuyuki police respond, but police from nearby cities also rushed over. Numerous journalists from all over the country also flocked to the scene.
Some even arrived by helicopter!
Fuyuki was bustling tonight, with countless police and news vehicles on the streets.
Because of this, Ryunosuke decided not to act, deeming the risk of being caught too high.
...
On the third floor of the unfinished building, Shinji stood behind a concrete pillar, watching the police take the children away before finally leaving.
Regardless, Ryunosuke wouldn't dare to commit another crime tonight. If he did, he'd be more of a fool than a madman.
"Mr. Miyafuji, do you think the killer will strike again tonight?"
Shinji thought for a moment and replied, "If he has any sense, he'll lay low for a few days. My analysis suggests he's a madman pursuing perfection, but still rational. So, Fuyuki's children will be safe for now.
During these days, we can investigate other clues, like that strange magic circle, and check the surveillance at train stations and airports from a week ago. We might find something unexpected."
After a brief conversation, Shinji and Lancer parted ways. Lancer, believing the killer might act in the chaos, went on patrol, while Shinji headed towards the mountain peak in Miyama Town.
Shinji's goal was simple: knowing he couldn't locate Ryunosuke and Caster's hideout quickly, he sought an ally.
And tonight, he might just meet the gymnastics prince who had been betrayed by his Master...
...
At 3 a.m., at the Tohsaka residence.
Assassin—or rather, Hassan of the Hundred Faces, Zayd—was skillfully avoiding the intricate barriers while mocking Tokiomi's fate.
The proud mage seemed to trust Kirei implicitly, never imagining that his long-raised dog would bite his hand.
Kirei had ordered Zayd to kill Tokiomi less than an hour ago.
Though the cause of Kirei's murderous intent was unclear, it likely stemmed from Tokiomi summoning a Servant days ago.
Tokiomi's contracted Servant was supposedly Archer, but from observation, this Servant was even weaker than Kirei had imagined.
Thus, continuing to work with Tokiomi held no benefit, prompting Kirei's command tonight.
From a high vantage point, Shinji watched the legendary gymnast with amazement. His flexibility was impressive! Too bad he wasn't a woman. If he were...
Cough, cough, refocusing, Shinji turned to Zayd, who was smugly invading the barriers.
What a naive fool.
Shinji sighed and then looked at the familiar golden figure on the rooftop.
Boom!!
The moment Gilgamesh threw the spear, Shinji knew it was time to act...
...
Beneath Ryuudou Temple, in a dark cavern.
After two hours of work, Shinji wiped the sweat from his forehead.
With the help of the remnants of Avenger, he had successfully performed the world's first personality extraction surgery and used the underground leyline's magic to reconstruct Zayd's spirit core!
At this moment, Zayd was just Zayd, no longer related to the Hundred Faces Hassan!
"Thank you, Miss Avenger~"
Shinji's mental form within the Holy Grail system expressed genuine gratitude. Although Avenger couldn't resist and had to comply, the miracle was still possible thanks to the Grail system.
Lying flat, Avenger's mental form asked, "Will you complete the Grail?"
Shinji scoffed, waving dismissively. "Why ask? You don't have a personality. Could you really help me?"
Avenger remained silent.
"Alright, I'm leaving. I'll visit if I have time."
With that, Shinji left the Grail system's depths with the spirit core he had crafted...