"Who are you?" Reika Rikudou held Jack tightly, her eyes full of suspicion as she stared at the white-haired priest who suddenly blocked their path.
"I am Shirou Kotomine, the overseer of the Holy Grail War," Shirou replied with a calm smile, his gaze shifting between the pair before him, who looked more like mother and daughter than Master and Servant. "I'm here to discuss some recent actions of yours. I also have some news for you—one bad and one good."
"We've already spoken to the Ruler. He permitted us to attack any mages within the Holy Grail War's boundaries," Reika responded, her guard not dropping despite Shirou's friendly demeanor.
"Yes, but I want to talk about what comes next," Shirou continued, nodding slightly. "I assume you're planning to hunt homunculi in Trifas?"
"The kind brother said it's okay," Jack chimed in, squeezing Reika's hand.
"Well, that's the problem," Shirou scratched his head, feigning a bit of embarrassment. "The bad news is that most of the homunculi on the Black Faction's side are already dead due to the ongoing conflict, and the facilities used to create them have been destroyed."
"What… how could this be?" Reika was in disbelief. She had no more mage hearts to supply Jack with the mana she needed.
"The remaining homunculi are in the Black Faction's stronghold, guarded by five of their Servants. You'll have no chance of reaching them," Shirou shook his head regretfully.
Reika's grip on Jack tightened, her fear growing at the thought of losing her.
"But the good news is that I can help you," Shirou extended his hand toward Reika. "I also have another role—I'm the Master of the Red Faction's Assassin."
"You're… the enemy!" Reika instinctively shielded Jack behind her.
"No, I'm your ally," Shirou said, unfazed by her reaction. He observed her defensive stance with mild curiosity. "My Assassin knows a bit about magecraft and can help you with your mana supply problem."
"I won't hand over my Command Seals," Reika said firmly, pulling Jack a few steps back.
"Relax, you'll still be her Master. We'll just change the source of her mana. But in return, you must help me fight the Black Faction," Shirou lowered his hand. "Since you're participating in the Holy Grail War, you must have a wish you want to fulfill. The Black Faction is united against you. They might demand you surrender your Command Seals, but we're different. Join us, and you'll have a better chance."
Reika hesitated. She didn't trust the priest before her, not with how suddenly he appeared. But his words had cornered her. Without a mana supply, Jack would become immobile and eventually fade away. Watching that happen would be worse than death.
"…Fine. I'll join you," Reika sighed and hugged Jack tightly.
"Welcome to the Red Faction." Shirou spread his arms, his smile brightening considerably.
But inwardly, he was uneasy. Unlike Avicebron, he couldn't read Jack's desires. Avicebron was eccentric but still a normal person in some ways. Despite his twisted views, at least he felt remorse for betraying Roche. Jack, however, was different. She was a clear anti-hero, a Servant born from humanity's fear. Shirou couldn't predict what kind of wish a deranged killer like her might have. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't have considered recruiting her, but the situation was dire.
The Black Faction's Saber, Siegfried, was still alive. Rider, Astolfo; Archer, Chiron; Lancer, Vlad III; and Berserker, Frankenstein, were all still standing, meaning their strength hadn't diminished much.
On their side, the situation was far from ideal. Assassin Semiramis was alive, but her Hanging Gardens had been compromised, with external defenses completely dismantled. Rider Achilles was powerful, but he refused to follow orders, focusing only on dueling Chiron. Lancer Karna was obsessed with finding his Master, who had been captured, making him hard to control even though he wouldn't hold back in battle. Archer Atalanta was off doing her own thing, much like in the myths, constantly trailing behind Cyd, as if the Holy Grail War didn't concern her. And Saber Mordred... Shirou was wondering if she and her Master planned to form a third faction. That left Jack the Ripper, the Black Faction's Assassin, as the only one he could still possibly sway.
"Let's head to our base. The Holy Grail War might end tonight," Shirou said, stepping aside to let them pass. "Whether your wish comes true depends on what happens tonight."
Reika nodded, holding Jack close as they moved forward.
In the Hanging Gardens, Semiramis bit her thumb, looking as if her husband had abandoned her. In a way, that was precisely what had happened. The once grand Hanging Gardens were now empty, with only her left to guard it. And she had no choice but to remain here. As the only one able to control the Gardens, it was her responsibility to ensure the Black Faction didn't sneak in to steal the Holy Grail. Yet, as Cyd had predicted, the Black Faction's Servants were doing nothing, lounging around the ruins. Even Achilles, the brute, was relaxing with Karna and the others, eating and chatting as if they were all friends. For a moment, Semiramis felt like she was the only one on the Red Faction's side.
No matter! I still have my Master. At least he won't leave me.
As Semiramis tried to reassure herself, Shirou arrived with a woman and a little girl in tow. The girl had white hair, just like Shirou.
Semiramis's composure shattered. Resentment poured from her as she sat on her throne, gnawing on her thumb.
Why am I here, lurking like some twisted voyeur, watching the enemy Servants enjoy themselves? Why am I the one stripping the ley lines from the Grail, clearing out the metal stakes in the Gardens, and constantly on guard against an assault from the Black Faction? I'm doing everything while you bring up some woman and her daughter?
Although Semiramis didn't voice her thoughts, Shirou could see them clearly on her elegant yet bitter face as she sulked on her throne.
"Assassin, this is the Black Faction's Assassin's Master. She's decided to join us to fight against the Black Faction," Shirou quickly raised his hands in explanation, hoping to avoid the fate of her previous husband.
"I didn't ask you, so why are you explaining yourself?" Semiramis scoffed, crossing her legs.
Because you look like you're about to kill me if I don't…