Credits: Surge1301
On the fourth night, Aoko crossed paths with Karna, who had been wandering through Fuyuki City like a headless fly, attempting to find the base of Aoko and Artoria.
This meeting wasn't so much the result of Karna's painstaking search finally yielding results as it was Aoko, having deduced Karna's and his Master Kayneth's intentions from Stark's information, deliberately revealing herself to meet them.
"…Saber, and Saber's Master, my Master wishes to meet you," Karna said straightforwardly, in his usual manner that made it unclear whether his emotional intelligence was high or nonexistent. "If you agree, I will immediately notify my Master."
Artoria remained silent. In her view, Karna was a noble warrior of exceptional skill and unwavering loyalty. Thus, even though their positions were different, it was merely a case of serving their respective Masters. There was no need for hostility.
"Oh? It seems Lord El-Melloi is in some trouble, isn't he?" Aoko said with a smile. "No problem, I can meet him. You can go deliver the message now."
Karna nodded, then took out something resembling a pocket watch and pressed it twice.
Aoko could sense a magical fluctuation coming from the watch—it seemed to be some kind of communication and positioning device.
About half an hour later, Aoko heard a rumble of thunder from the horizon. Kayneth arrived on the scene, riding the Gordius Wheel of Rider, King Iskandar.
Aoko carefully observed this Clock Tower Lord, who had once maintained an impeccable demeanor. His meticulously combed golden hair now looked disheveled, like that of an overworked corporate slave who had just endured over ten hours of intense labor.
"Lord El-Melloi, I wonder why you sent your Servant to find me. What do you wish to discuss?" Aoko asked first.
"I do have something I need Miss Blue's help with," Kenneth replied. "Or rather, I need you to help me contact Chaldea."
"Oh?" Aoko feigned ignorance, her expression curious. "May I know what this is about?"
"…This isn't the right place to talk," Kayneth hesitated before saying. "Come to my workshop, and I'll explain the reason there."
"No problem." Aoko agreed without hesitation. She wasn't worried—there was no way someone of Kayneth's caliber could pose a threat to her, a Magician.
With that, Aoko and Artoria calmly boarded Rider Iskandar's Gordius Wheel. Kayneth and Rider sat in the front, while Aoko and Artoria sat in the back.
For once, Rider remained uncharacteristically silent. He simply flicked the reins and commanded the divine bulls pulling the chariot to change direction and return to their base.
The Gordius Wheel sped like the wind, but surprisingly, the interior of the chariot was incredibly comfortable. Neither the wind nor the temperature was an issue—truly a relic of the Age of Gods.
Aoko enjoyed the aerial scenery for about half an hour before they arrived at a small grove near the ruins of the Hyatt Hotel.
After disembarking, Kayneth recited a short incantation, and a patch of grass concealed by magic disappeared, revealing the entrance to an underground passage.
"No wonder Lord El-Melloi managed to survive that explosion," Aoko commented with raised eyebrows. "This level of caution is truly unexpected."
"…It wasn't my idea," Kayneth paused before saying. "Enough about that. Please, follow me."
Aoko and Artoria entered the passage, walking a considerable distance before arriving at a spacious underground chamber. Based on its structure, it appeared to be some sort of underground warehouse.
"This was originally the Hyatt Hotel's underground storage room," Kayneth explained. "After discovering that Kiritsugu Emiya had planted eavesdropping and surveillance devices throughout the hotel, my student suggested relocating my workshop here."
"Was it Waver Velvet?" Aoko asked. "It seems you've taken on a good student, Lord Kayneth. His observational skills are indeed sharp."
Kayneth neither confirmed nor denied this. Without commenting further, he led Aoko deeper into the facility.
Guided by Kayneth and Iskandar, Aoko and Artoria eventually arrived at a room resembling an operating theater.
In the center of the room, lying on what looked like an operating table, was Waver Velvet. He was drenched in sweat, occasionally groaning softly with his eyes shut.
Examining him closely, Aoko noticed a wound on his shoulder. It appeared to be from some sort of firearm, and the area around the injury was purple-black. Aoko deduced that he must have been poisoned.
"Poison?" Aoko asked.
"Correct," Kayneth replied. "I've examined him. It's the venom of the Hydra from the Age of Gods. I can only temporarily keep him alive with alchemical potions to prevent the toxin from spreading further. However, I cannot cure him."
Aoko raised an eyebrow, surprised that Kayneth would go to such lengths for Waver. Was it because Waver had saved him during Kiritsugu Emiya's bombing of the Hyatt Hotel, causing Kayneth to change his perspective?
"So, you want me to contact Chaldea and have the other Waver see if there's a way to cure him?" Aoko asked. "That does make some sense, but not much."
"However, I can help you," Aoko continued. "But it won't be free."
"…What are your terms?" Kayneth asked quietly. "Just say it."
Aoko glanced at Iskandar, and the look made the King of Conquerors feel a chill.
"Once this is resolved, I request a duel between Rider and my Saber," Aoko said. "A one-on-one fight to the death, with only the Servants involved. The Masters will be guaranteed safety."
"If you win, it's your victory, and I won't pursue anything further," Aoko added. "If you lose, Waver Velvet will withdraw from this Holy Grail War and will not form a contract with a new Servant."
"Oh? Confident, aren't you, Lady Magician?" Rider responded without a trace of fear, crossing his arms. "But I have no reason to refuse. It does sound fair."
"…I agree as well," Kayneth said stiffly. "Will a Command Seal suffice?"
"Of course," Aoko said, crossing her hands gracefully. "To me, it would be easier if all the participants just came out and fought head-on on the first day."