"The contract has been drafted, sign it."
Kayneth moved swiftly. After receiving the parchment Fionn brought, he completed the contract within a few minutes.
Kayneth then pushed the parchment filled with densely packed text towards Roy, signaling him to sign.
"..."
Glancing at the dense text, Roy simply tossed the contract scroll to the Count. "Caster, check if the essay has any loopholes for me."
"You're illiterate?" Kayneth frowned.
"What do you mean illiterate? I just want to make sure it's clear."
Ignoring their banter, the Count took the contract and carefully examined it, scrutinizing each clause multiple times. After confirming there were no issues, he returned the scroll to Roy.
"No problems, Master."
"I see."
Hearing this, Roy nodded, then took a small knife from his pocket, cut his finger, and signed his name in blood on the parchment.
As the magical engraving and contract completed their connection, Roy could feel a special rule descend upon him, signifying the contract's activation.
Kayneth, who also sensed the contract take effect on him, snorted coldly and retrieved the scroll from the table.
"Hmph, whatever your intentions are, the contract is now signed. You no longer have any opportunity to meddle."
"I've explained countless times... I never had such plans in the first place."
With a wry smile, Roy stood and approached Kayneth, extending his hand. "Now that the contract is in place, I hope you will guide me well in the days to come, Professor Kayneth."
"Don't get too excited too soon, kid. My guidance is very strict. Are you sure you can handle it?"
"Bring it on."
"Your spirit's not bad. Don't just stand there like a fool; follow me. Let me check your magic circuits. The development of circuits in first-generation magus usually has some problems."
"Understood."
After instructing Fionn to guard the workshop, Kayneth led Roy into his workshop.
"Are you... really Merlin?"
Meanwhile, Fionn, who was stationed outside, was staring at the Count with a face full of doubt. He couldn't help but suck on his thumb a few times. His divine wisdom had already made him aware that something was off.
During his life, he had heard of the legendary Magus of Flowers, and though he could sense the aura of flowers from the Heroic Spirit in front of him, beneath that vibrant sea of flowers seemed to lurk something unclean... a hidden, suppressed aura that felt like a curse, a grudge.
"I am not that incubus. This aura is just a disguise."
Seeing that Fionn had seen through him, the Count admitted it calmly.
"I cannot reveal my true name to you. Disclosing this much information is already my utmost sincerity, Lancer."
"Apologies, I was being rude, prying into your secrets, Caster. Since we're on the same side, I look forward to fighting alongside you in the upcoming battles." Fionn smiled wryly and candidly apologized for his intrusion.
"Though I don't know your true name, I can sense that flame. Caster, your power is undoubtedly formidable. Once we've eliminated all our enemies, I truly hope to have a good, hearty battle with you."
"...You're eager for the Holy Grail?" The Count raised an eyebrow.
Fionn nodded and said, "While my desire for the Holy Grail isn't great, I merely wish to change this life of being cursed with romantic misfortune. You can see my beautiful face, right? You should understand how many tragedies have been caused by this beauty."
"Hahaha, so that's your wish, Lancer?"
Sensing the unfamiliar magical presence, Iskandar burst out laughing as he walked out of the room, suddenly inserting himself into their conversation.
"A Lancer cursed with romantic misfortune? I remember my little Master teaching me some knowledge about Celtic mythology. Let me think... let me think... Oh! I've got it!"
Iskandar clapped his left hand hard onto his right. "You must be Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, right? Haha, I see! No wonder your martial skills are so impressive."
"..."
There was no doubt that upon hearing this name, Fionn's face twisted slightly, while the Count appeared utterly speechless.
Both of them thought this Servant might not be entirely right in the head.
"And what about you, Caster? Don't you have any desire for the Holy Grail?"
"My wish is to obtain the Grail, gain a new body, and resume my conquest in this era!" Iskandar declared.
"The Holy Grail?" The Count suddenly burst into laughter, as if he'd heard a joke.
"Relying on the Grail to fulfill my destiny or wishes is not my style. I'll only help my Master obtain the Grail, and how to use it will be entirely up to him."
Fionn muttered to himself, "You're doing it just for your Master? Such selflessness puts me to shame."
"Hahaha! You're truly a refreshing person. Although I don't know who you are, I'm lucky to have met both of you in this Holy Grail War!" Iskandar laughed heartily.
...
"You have quite an abundant supply of magical energy, and the quality of your magic circuits is excellent. The conversion rate is also very high. Although first-generation magus typically have fewer circuits, your magical aptitude is undeniably exceptional."
As Kayneth carefully examined the magic circuits operating within Roy, his gaze grew increasingly intense.
Roy had previously told him that he became a magus by accident, so it was clear he belonged to the first generation of magus.
For a first-generation magus to reach this level was remarkable. His talent was undoubtedly top-tier. If he could find a suitable partner and pass down his bloodline for a few generations, it would likely produce even more outstanding magus.
Moreover, he possessed the precious magic crest that had been passed down through the Matou family. Kayneth felt like he had struck gold by coming to Japan, and this treasure had practically fallen into his lap.
To think that by attending a rural magical ceremony, he would encounter such talent... Kayneth's mood was clearly uplifted.
The more he examined Roy, the more fervent Kayneth's gaze became.
In his mind, Roy's status had risen significantly.
Originally, Kayneth had planned to teach him casually, and after the Holy Grail War, he intended to send him to the El-Melloi classroom for further development. After all, he never held back in his teachings, so this wouldn't violate their contract.
He had thought that when the boy naturally passed away, he could send someone to retrieve the magic crest. But now, he had a better plan.
Such an extraordinary genius... he couldn't just let him slip away. If he could induct this boy into the El-Melloi family, not only would he gain the magic crest, but the family would also benefit from his excellent bloodline. It was a complete win-win.
A double victory for him!
Having made up his mind, Kayneth decided that after the Holy Grail War, he would bring Roy back to the El-Melloi family for grooming.
"So, Professor Kayneth, does my talent meet your standards?"
"Ahem, yes, it's... barely acceptable." Kayneth coughed a few times, pulling back his fervent gaze.
"It's quite rare for a first-generation magus to reach this level."
"Your magic attributes are wind and water, but dual-attribute magus aren't uncommon. What's impressive is that, for a first-generation magus, your circuits are excellent. You have eighteen primary circuits and four auxiliary ones, all of superior quality."
Roy was puzzled by Kayneth's words. He knew the number of magic circuits in his body, so how had four more appeared out of nowhere?
"Twenty-two circuits? I remember only having eighteen."
"Hmph, that's due to your method of developing your circuits. Let me guess, you used the crude method of forcibly stimulating them with external means, didn't you?"
"Yes, that's right." Roy nodded.
"Such a foolish method only wastes your talent and damages your body."
Kayneth pointed at Roy's body and continued, "Your four auxiliary circuits were dormant and hadn't been opened yet.
"The reason is that you didn't have enough magical energy when you forcibly activated them, or you couldn't endure until those four were fully stimulated. As a result, they remained dormant. I adjusted your circuits just now, stimulating them slightly, so they're now open."
'Did he tamper with my magic circuits?'
Hearing Kayneth's words, Roy instinctively shivered. Although he had noticed a faint anomaly in his circuits earlier, he thought Kayneth was merely conducting a check. It turned out he had been directly tampering with his circuits.
Magic circuits are as vital to a magus as the heart, so Roy felt a chill run through him.
Seeing his reaction, Kayneth said calmly, "Relax. I didn't tamper with your circuits. After all, our magical contract is still in effect, so I cannot do anything that would harm you."
"Besides, as your teacher now, adjusting your magic circuits is part of my duty."
Is that so...
Hearing this, Roy calmed down.
It was true... the contract they signed meant Kayneth couldn't do anything against him. Knowing this was why Roy hadn't been on guard against him.
But twenty-two magic circuits...
He closed his eyes and circulated his magical energy again, letting his circuits gradually emerge. He could clearly feel the increased magical energy conversion rate, and indeed, there were now four more circuits than before.
Seeing Roy's excitement, Kayneth squinted and decided to establish his authority as a teacher while the moment was ripe.
"You are indeed a very talented young magus, but don't become arrogant. The world is full of talented magus. What you should focus on is steady research and gradual progress along the path of magecraft. Do you understand?"
"I understand."
"Very well. Now, show me the magecraft you're most proficient in. As your teacher, I need to thoroughly understand your level so I can plan your future studies."
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