In reality, as Shinji opened his eyes and looked at the slightly glowing spirit core in his hand, a faint smile appeared on his face.
"Don't disappoint me, Zayd," he said, infusing the remaining bit of his spiritual power into the spirit core.
Gradually, the figure of the gymnast prince, who had been betrayed by his Master two hours ago, began to materialize.
"Huh? Wasn't I..."
Feeling his own body, Zayd, the base personality of the Hundred-Faced Hassan, was confused. He had clearly been annihilated by that golden guy, leaving nothing behind. How was he alive again? And where was he? Who was this seemingly righteous and kind young man in front of him?
Did I transmigrate? Like in those popular novels set in this era?
Seeing Zayd's puzzled expression, Shinji sighed inwardly. Why did this guy seem a bit dim?
"Anyway, you've probably guessed it. Your Master deceived you to send you to your death. I saved you, extracted and preserved your personality, and finally created a new spirit core for you."
Zayd wasn't stupid. He quickly understood and knelt on one knee, placing his right hand over his chest and bowing his head respectfully. "Hassan—no, Zayd is at your service, my Lord!"
Not bad, Shinji thought, appreciating Zayd's intelligence. He then raised his left hand.
"I declare—"
"Become my eyes! Become my shadow!"
"Shadow of darkness! My fate is entrusted to your sword!"
"Respect our shared wish, respond to the call of the Holy Grail—"
"If you consent to this will and reason, then obey me!"
Seeing the three red Command Spells appear on Shinji's wrist, Zayd did not hesitate and formed a contract with Shinji without any resistance.
"In the name of the eighth class, Shadow, Zayd accepts this contract and acknowledges you as my Lord."
Knowing the young man before him was incredibly powerful, capable of splitting souls and personalities, and creating spirit cores, Zayd believed that following this Lord was the best way to achieve his own wishes.
Moreover, he had realized a hidden desire of his own—to unify his fragmented personalities into a single one!
Also, this person had never been noticed during his recent surveillance. He had never seen him before!
Only such a sneaky character could survive until the end and win the Holy Grail War!
...
After easily dealing with Zayd, Shinji began to extract information, first learning all the recent intel the Hassans had gathered.
"My Lord, our camp's power…"
"Don't worry, Zayd. A true hunter won't act until the target appears. They won't move unless they are sure of victory."
Hearing this, Zayd was impressed. A supreme sneak indeed! Only someone like this could have a high chance of winning!
"By the way, Zayd, my name is Shinji Miyafuji. I'll give you an address. Your task today is to hide and closely monitor that woman, and report back to me."
"Yes, Lord Shinji!"
Smack!
"Do your job well…" Shinji patted Zayd on the shoulder, smirking. "Maybe in the end, I can give you the chance to personally take revenge. You must be looking forward to seeing that man's (Kirei) expression when he sees you at the last moment…"
Seeing Shinji's grin, Zayd realized his new Master was not a good person. However, the thought of seeing Kirei's face at the final moment made his heart race.
What kind of expression would that bastard who betrayed me show? I can't wait!
In response to Zayd's cackling laugh, Shinji turned back, serious. "Zayd, stop laughing like that. It lowers your luck, really!"
...
Returning to the hotel, Shinji felt quite pleased.
Though Zayd wasn't strong in combat, he was low on consumption and had a cheat-level skill in concealing his presence. Perfect for gathering information discreetly.
Now, he didn't have to watch all night alone. Zayd could handle the intel gathering while Shinji focused on playing detective with Lancer.
Additionally, from Zayd, he confirmed that neither Kirei nor Tohsaka Tokiomi suspected Matou Kariya of participating in the Holy Grail War, thinking the Matou family had abandoned this war.
This was good news. It meant less need to monitor the Matou house and reduced the risk of exposure.
As for Berserker's elimination, no one knew yet, but it didn't matter. Once Kiritsugu arrived in Fuyuki and assessed the situation, he could deduce a Servant had already been eliminated based on Irisviel's condition.
Seeing the remaining Servants would make it clear that the eliminated one was Berserker.
...
Today, Shinji expected Irisviel and Saber to arrive in Fuyuki. As someone who admired her inexplicably in his previous life, Shinji decided to try his luck for a chance encounter. If he could stage a small accident, even better.
Just to see if his charm for attracting vulnerable women still worked.
It was just an experiment! He had no other intentions!
So, without Lancer seeking him out, Shinji tidied up briefly and went out.
...
The weather was nice today. As Shinji wandered the streets of Fuyuki, he suddenly, as if by fate, ran into Irisviel and Saber in male attire!
Seeing Irisviel stopping in surprise in front of a bookstore, Shinji silently praised her beauty.
Not bad!
Almost as stunning as a personified Avenger!
"Oh no!"
Spinning around, Irisviel accidentally bumped into Shinji, who had turned his back. She gasped.
"Sorry, sorry…" Irisviel quickly apologized, and Shinji turned with a gentle smile. "It's okay. Are you alright?"
"No, I'm fine…" Before Irisviel could finish, Saber grabbed her hand and pulled her away.
Watching them leave, Shinji sighed inwardly. Saber, you're overreacting. She's not your wife, and you're a woman. What's the rush?
Just after his mental complaint, Shinji received a report from Zayd about a stranger meeting with Maiya.
Originally, Shinji wanted Zayd to see if he could capture a passionate kiss between them, but then he remembered Irisviel's forgiving nature and gave up on the idea.
Even if he took the photo, what would it do? Irisviel already knew and didn't care. It would only serve as a keepsake for his friend Shirou and the others in the other world.
'Quick! Try to get a clear picture of their interaction with the camera I gave you! Make sure it's at the right angle and sharp!'
...
Nightfall came unnoticed.
Near the dock, on an open coastline, Shinji watched Irisviel hopping barefoot on the beach, wearing his invisibility cloak.
At nine years old, she was so childlike.
Shinji marveled and thought about how Kiritsugu could go through with such a plan on a newborn. Truly a gentleman exemplar, unlike himself!
But those feet were so pale and clean!
"An enemy Servant?"
Saber, sensing something, held Irisviel's hand and asked.
"Yes," Saber nodded. "A hundred meters away, someone is emitting a presence, seemingly inviting us."
"Always so serious, huh? Do they want us to choose the battleground?" Irisviel turned to Saber with a smile. "What do you think? Should we accept?"
Satisfied with Irisviel's response, Saber replied, "With pleasure!"
...
"Hoohoo~ Seems like we've lured two lovely roses."
At the dock, in an open space among containers, Lancer, remembering to show a bit of his playful side in front of his Master, flirtatiously tossed his hair and chuckled.
This made several people unhappy. Saber and Irisviel, of course, frowned immediately.
Kiritsugu, watching from behind his sniper rifle, sentenced Lancer to death in his mind.
Even Kayneth, hidden on the rooftop, was displeased.
Lancer, you finally show your true colors!
So prim and proper before me, but so flirtatious with strange women!
Indeed, you were hiding your true self and intentions from me all along!
Lancer, I'm glad I never fully trusted you. Otherwise, you'd have betrayed me terribly!
The only one who wanted to laugh but couldn't was Shinji, standing invisibly behind Kiritsugu, learning to assemble a sniper rifle.
Kiritsugu had no idea someone was right behind him, secretly learning his rifle assembly techniques.
Unaware of his Master's thoughts, Lancer decided a little teasing was enough and got serious.
"Just a joke. From that clear aura, you must be Saber, right?"
"Yes, but your joke wasn't funny, Lancer!"