The Holy Grail War was over. The battle between fourteen Servants, and even the conflict involving the Mage's Association, had come to an end. The all-powerful wish-granting device had disappeared. But one thing was certain—someone's wish had been granted. Yet, oddly enough, that person wasn't from the Red or Black factions. And the world? Well, it hadn't changed one bit. It was as if the Holy Grail War had never happened at all.
One of the Red faction Masters had died, while the other four didn't even know how they lost. All they could remember was meeting the priest, and then... it was over. The Mage's Association wasn't too pleased—they felt like their money had gone to waste.
But I knew the truth…
Kairi Sisigou sighed, fishing out his wallet and paying for a set of clothes he couldn't even wear. The cashier, with tears in her eyes, handed him the cash from the register, mistaking his wallet move for pulling out a gun.
"Of all the things…" Sisigou muttered to himself. It wasn't like he wanted to be here. But the guy beside him had insisted on getting clothes, and once he tried on a jacket, the sleeve ripped right off.
Exhausted from the whole ordeal, Sisigou walked over to Cyd, who was standing nearby, looking far too amused. "Pay up."
Cyd tugged at his new jacket, glancing down at the jeans he'd picked out. "Feels a little young for me. And why are they staring at me?" He nodded toward a group of girls whispering nearby. The moment they locked eyes with him, they blushed and turned away.
"Who knows," Sisigou scratched his head. "Anyway, why are you sticking with me? You could ask the Yggdmillennia clan for help. They're the big shots around here."
"They're busy," Cyd shrugged and waved at Medusa and Leticia standing off in the distance. "So, I figured I'd bother you instead."
"I've got stuff to do too, you know," Sisigou shot back. "I've gotta report to the Mage's Association, pay my respects to an old friend, and do a favor while I'm at it."
"Perfect. I need to go to the Association too," Cyd clapped him on the back.
Sisigou narrowed his eyes. "What for? It's not exactly a fun place. If they find out about you, you're in deep trouble. I'm already doing my best to keep you hidden. Don't go blowing your own cover."
Cyd winked. "Relax, I owe you one for this."
Sisigou smirked. "Oh? A favor from the Pure White Hero? I'll make sure to cash that in."
Leticia, overhearing their conversation, looked curious. "Where are you heading next, Cyd?"
"To the Mage's Association," he replied, ruffling her hair.
Leticia's expression fell. She'd hoped he didn't have a destination in mind so she could invite him to her homeland.
"Don't worry, kiddo," Cyd smiled and pulled out a compass from his pocket. "Wherever you are, I'll find you."
Leticia's eyes lit up as she nodded enthusiastically. "Okay!"
Sisigou glanced down at the bite mark on his hand. He would've sworn it was from some wild beast if it weren't for the size. Then again, Cyd could be considered a beast in his own right.
"My wish..." Sisigou chuckled softly, staring up at the sky. "You've moved on. I guess it's time I did too."
Cyd grinned. "Oh, by the way, you're covering the plane tickets."
Sisigou's mouth dropped open, and he pointed at Medusa, who was pretending she wasn't there. "She's loaded."
Medusa raised her burger, bought by Leticia, to hide her face. "I... don't have any money right now."
"Liar!" Sisigou gawked. "You've gotta have more money than me."
Medusa mumbled, "I, uh, gave it all away. Got a little... heated."
"Must be nice…" Sisigou muttered, genuinely envious of whoever got their hands on Medusa's wealth. The world never ran out of reckless people, and magi were the worst offenders. Medusa was well-known in the Mage's Association, but they still hadn't connected her to the legendary Medusa of Greek myth. Even so, her power and secrets were too tempting, and eventually, someone would try to test her limits. After several magi families were wiped out, and even the Church's forces were driven back, the Association decided to drop the matter—thankfully, just in time.
Medusa, though, was surprisingly satisfied with the situation. She turned down the Association's offers, but she sold off the magical artifacts she'd taken from the families she defeated to the point that her wallet was bursting at the seams.
And now? That wallet was someone else's problem.
"You really go all out, huh, Reika Rikudou?" Cyd scratched his head.
Medusa looked down, embarrassed. "Sorry."
"It's fine," Cyd shrugged, throwing an arm over Sisigou's shoulders. "Now, two broke guys are waiting for a good Samaritan to help out. You're gonna help, right?"
Sisigou sighed in defeat. "Yeah, yeah… but at this rate, I'm barely going to get paid."
Meanwhile, Fiore sat quietly in her wheelchair as Caules pushed her through the ruins.
"Have you made up your mind?" Caules asked, glancing at his sister.
Fiore nodded. "Yeah. I'm sorry for leaving you with all the responsibility." She gently touched her legs, a reminder of her choices.
Should she give up magic? The question that had haunted her for so long finally had an answer.
To keep enduring the pain and continue studying magic she didn't even enjoy, or… to set herself free, to live as an ordinary girl. But without magic, she was a blank slate. What would she paint on this blank canvas? She wasn't sure yet.
But…
"I'm giving up magic," Fiore said softly, leaning back in her chair.
Caules' face lit up with a smile. "That's wonderful."
For him, nothing could've been better. He knew his sister was too kind for the harsh world of magic. Even with her extraordinary talent, it had only brought her pain.
"I talked to Uncle too," Fiore added, scratching her cheek awkwardly. "Surprisingly, he was… calm."
Caules chuckled. "Uncle's changed a lot. I guess we've all changed."
"You've become more confident," Fiore remarked, looking up at her brother. "Is it because of Berserker?"
Caules pushed his glasses up, smiling faintly. "Maybe."
"What did she say to you, in the end? You looked so happy."
"Nothing that exciting," Caules shrugged, his expression content. "She just told me, "Don't waste electricity. Unplug the computer when you're done.'"