Kaguya's eyes snapped open, and within her pupils, star-shaped patterns emerged, glowing with a mysterious light. Wherever her gaze landed, black flames erupted in an instant, spreading rapidly throughout the swarm of insects. The crackling of the flames echoed, accompanied by the revolting stench of burning flesh as the swarm was engulfed.
Her ocular power, enhanced after merging with the mysterious stone, had undergone a strange transformation. The stars within her eyes were now more defined, deeper and more enigmatic, capable of drawing anyone in with just a glance. Along with this change, her ocular techniques had grown exponentially stronger—both in power and in duration. She had named her enhanced eye power 'Star Pupil'.
Though the name was a bit chuunibyou—a bit juvenile, as Kaguya thought—it suited the newfound strength of her abilities.
According to the system's analysis, her Star Pupil held numerous yet-to-be-unlocked capabilities, though these powers remained sealed for now. Furthermore, since this wasn't her true body, many of her abilities were still restricted.
The system, in its usual fashion, tried to pitch its identification service again, but after seeing the exorbitant price, Kaguya promptly booted it out of her mind without hesitation. She wasn't about to be scammed twice on the same issue.
Clearly, she would have to unlock these powers on her own. Kaguya couldn't help but anticipate the day when those mysterious abilities would be freed from their seal.
"You think a little fire can stop my insects?" Zouken Matou chuckled coldly, gripping his cane as a mocking smile stretched across his shriveled face. "You're far too naive. Did you really believe that, after mastering insect control for hundreds of years, I wouldn't account for something as trivial as flames?"
As soon as he spoke, Zouken waved his cane, and the swarm reacted instantly. The insects buzzed frantically, and then, all at once, they lifted into the air. Their tails began to secrete a foul-smelling green liquid, which rained down on the black flames like a torrential downpour. At the same time, the insects began to dive directly into the fire, their intention clear—to smother the black flames by sheer numbers.
Seeing this, Kaguya couldn't help but laugh. "Old worm, this is your plan? You're the naive one."
"Bluffing won't save you, girl," Zouken sneered, but as his gaze turned toward the swarm, his expression abruptly changed. His eyes widened in disbelief.
The black flames hadn't been extinguished. In fact, they burned even more intensely than before.
"What... What is this?" Zouken stammered, his confidence evaporating as fear crept in.
"Oops, forgot to mention," Kaguya said with a playful smirk, twirling a lock of her silver hair. "These flames don't go out until they've completely turned their target to ash."
"Impossible!" Zouken slammed his cane into the ground in frustration. "There's no such thing as a fire that can't be extinguished!"
"Try if you like," Kaguya grinned, her eyes glinting dangerously. "Maybe it'll be enough to turn you into ash, too."
Zouken stared at the silver-haired girl before him, dread welling up in his gut. He was starting to feel that this battle wasn't going to go his way.
If this continued, the flames might truly reduce his precious insects to dust.
Zouken's face darkened, and beads of sweat dotted his wrinkled forehead.
Then, his gaze shifted past Kaguya, toward Sakura, who was hiding behind her. A wicked grin spread across his face as a sinister idea took hold.
"Ah, I see now," Zouken cackled maliciously. "So, this traitor is working with an outsider. What right does a filthy creature like you have to live, you disgrace?"
At his command, the swarm surged forward with renewed ferocity, and even those insects that had not yet been consumed by the black flames turned their focus on Kaguya, charging toward her with reckless abandon. These magically-enhanced creatures, despite their grotesque appearances, had far greater durability and resistance than ordinary insects, making it harder for Kaguya's flames to immediately annihilate them.
Kaguya frowned, realizing Zouken had caught on.
While her Amaterasu flames were powerful, they had been weakened due to her being a projection in this world. Moreover, the insects, strengthened by magic, were able to resist the flames momentarily. And while the Amaterasu posed no threat to Kaguya herself, it was a different story for the vulnerable Sakura behind her.
Looking at the swarm of revolting insects swarming toward her, Kaguya raised her hand instinctively.
"Truth-Seeking Balls!"
Nothing happened.
Kaguya froze for a moment, realizing that her normally ever-reliable Truth-Seeking Balls weren't appearing.
Then it hit her—this wasn't her true body. She was a projection in this world, similar to a shadow clone, without the full extent of her powers. Naturally, that meant no Truth-Seeking Balls.
Kaguya felt a surge of frustration. She wanted to scream.
When she had chosen to enter the Fate world as her next destination, the mission was clear—win the Holy Grail War. Although she had been summoned as the unexpected eighth Servant, she had assumed her full power would follow. But no, she hadn't realized she was merely a projection, lacking access to her full arsenal.
Zouken, noticing the change in her expression, relaxed slightly. Though he didn't fully understand why the Holy Grail had allowed this unexpected Servant into the war, it didn't matter now. Victory was within his grasp. This powerful Servant would soon be defeated, and she hadn't even been useful to him.
Watching as the two girls were about to be swallowed by the swarm, Zouken let out a cold chuckle. "What a waste of my time. It seems I'll have to discipline the Tohsaka brat early to break her spirit properly."
Turning away, Zouken prepared to leave. But before he could take a single step, a voice cut through the buzzing chaos behind him, causing his heart to skip a beat.
"Oh dear, I wanted to hold back and conserve some mana, but it seems I won't have that luxury anymore." Kaguya's voice was cold and calm, though laced with deadly intent. "As the one responsible for making me waste all this energy... should I tear you apart, piece by piece, or just... tear you apart?"
Zouken's eyes widened in shock as he spun back around.