I despise humanity...
They're all so disgusting. When they need something from you, they act kind and friendly. But the moment you're no longer useful, they discard you faster than anything else.
They envy others' achievements, even if it has nothing to do with them.
But there was one person who was different. His smile was pure, unlike those who sought my skills. He genuinely called me 'teacher' from the bottom of his heart.
Even though I'm still not good with children...
Avicebron clenched his fist. He didn't want to betray that child's smile.
For a fleeting moment, Avicebron felt that even if he couldn't complete his Noble Phantasm, it wouldn't matter. But that thought was cruelly shattered by Shirou Kotomine's words.
"Is that all your wish amounts to?" Shirou Kotomine's voice whispered in his ear, like a devil tempting someone to fall. "A true magus isn't bound by human decency; they immerse themselves fully in the dark arts. That's what you are. If you abandon your wish for a fleeting fantasy, in the end, you'll find your hands empty."
Avicebron's expression stiffened under his mask. Shirou Kotomine's words, spoken as if he had seen it all, destroyed the naive idea in Avicebron's heart.
He was summoned to this world to complete his Noble Phantasm. Abandoning his life's work for a mere smile?
"A magus... should never have a heart," Avicebron muttered, clutching his chest.
"It's not your fault. Blame this cruel world," Shirou Kotomine said, placing a hand on Avicebron's shoulder. "And then, purify this world with your Noble Phantasm. Consider it your atonement."
"Can I leave with my Master? He respects me so much. If I just..."
"You need him as the core."
Avicebron stared blankly at Shirou Kotomine. Even though his smile was gentle, Avicebron felt no warmth—only a cold, endless chill.
"Let go of that meaningless thought. Your Noble Phantasm only needs a core now. We can't move it to the Hanging Gardens, but if you place him in the core, it'll activate immediately. Once it's complete, nothing can stop it," Shirou Kotomine moved closer, his eyes seeming to pierce through Avicebron's mask.
"We don't have time to find another suitable magus."
"There are other Masters here," Avicebron took a step back.
"But they have Command Seals. They could recall their Servants at any time, and we don't have much time left. To activate your Noble Phantasm without drawing attention, the best way is to use your Master," Shirou Kotomine said calmly, watching Avicebron.
He knew Avicebron's obsession was strong—so strong that nothing else mattered. Even if he wasn't pressured, Avicebron would eventually realize it on his own. Right now, Avicebron was just deceiving himself, pretending not to see the obvious solution. But time was running out, and though it was harsh, Shirou Kotomine mercilessly tore off Avicebron's mask of denial.
"It's time to show your true self."
In the control room, the Masters of the Black Faction anxiously watched the scenes transmitted by the familiars.
As expected of a clash between Heroic Spirits, the fierce battle between the Red and Black Sabers and Cyd's interception of the twelve magic cannons made the magi marvel at the Heroic Spirits' might. But the most intense battle was between the Red and Black Lancers; even through the screen, they could feel the resolve emanating from Karna.
"We should win, right?" Caules adjusted his glasses. "The Berserkers are sweeping the battlefield, and the dragon tooth soldiers are almost dealt with."
"Archer is suppressing Achilles, but it'll take time to finish him off," Fiore nodded.
"Rider... I have no idea where he got blown away to," Celenike grumbled, feeling frustrated that her Servant had been so useless, taken out at the start with a single shot. "Saber has successfully repelled the Red Saber," Gordes said with a hint of pride, "and is now supporting Lancer."
"This Holy Grail War... we can win!" Darnic clenched his staff. When he saw Vlad III being overpowered by Karna, he had almost rushed out to have Vlad III unleash his Noble Phantasm. The Red Lancer's strength exceeded his expectations, but Siegfried's arrival had relieved him.
With Siegfried and Vlad III joining forces, they would surely defeat the Red Lancer!
His long-held wish, his destiny, was finally within reach.
If he could obtain the Holy Grail, he could secure the future of his family, and the stigma placed upon him by the Mage's Association could be erased!
"Your magic circuits aren't good enough—five generations at most."
That one sentence had cost him everything: his friend, his lover, his family. Even his last shred of pride had been trampled by the Mage's Association.
But it didn't matter. All of it had fueled his determination. Now! The time had come for all his efforts to bear fruit!
It was time to prepare everything—resources, environment—for the future of his children.
At that moment, Darnic felt a weight lift from his heart, and with his obsession fading, his perspective widened. He could finally see a bit further ahead.
"Uh, Teacher is calling for me," Roche raised his hand, then hopped up from the couch.
"Hmm? Is something wrong?" Darnic asked, smiling kindly at the talented boy.
After all, Roche was one of the future pillars of Yggdmillennia.
"Uh..." Darnic's sudden change in demeanor made Roche a little uncomfortable, but he still wiped his nose and proudly said, "Teacher needs my help adjusting a golem. It seems I can still be of help to him!"
With that, Roche waved and skipped out of the room.
How nice...
It must be wonderful to get along so well with one's Servant.
"Uncle?" Fiore tilted her head.
"It's nothing. I was just thinking about the future," Darnic shook his head.
"Teacher?"
Roche tilted his head in confusion as he looked at Avicebron's back.
"Where's the golem you wanted me to help adjust?"
"Roche? The golem is right here," Avicebron stepped aside, revealing the enormous golem. "This is the golem I need your help with—my Noble Phantasm, Crown・Light of Wisdom."
"Wow! Really? I get to help adjust your masterpiece, Teacher?" Roche's eyes lit up with excitement, like all his efforts had finally been recognized.
"Yes... You're the only one I can trust with this," Avicebron said, his gaze fixed on the towering golem.
"This is amazing, Teacher! I'll give it my all!" Roche rolled up his sleeves, making a gesture of determination.
However, he didn't notice the blade raised high behind him, aimed directly at the hand holding his Command Seals.
"Meeting you has been a great fortune, Roche," Avicebron whispered. "But for my wish..."
Roche's expression froze. His hand—was gone!
"Aaah! My... my hand! Teacher, my Command Seals!" Roche collapsed to the ground, clutching his shoulder, tears and drool mixing together. "Teacher! Teacher!"
A hand grabbed Roche by the neck from behind, lifting him and pressing him against the core of Crown・Light of Wisdom.
"Please, Teacher, save me! I..."
"Sacrifice yourself."