Fate/Magus Path

Roy was not one to procrastinate.

He always preferred completing tasks as quickly as possible and was someone who would act on his thoughts immediately.

His actions were swift and decisive.

So, after helping Gray find the most suitable teacher for her, Roy didn't stay at the Clock Tower to catch up with Waver, nor did he follow Kayneth's carefully laid-out plans.

Kayneth had arranged for him to stay a few more days at the Clock Tower, attend the upcoming high-level meetings, make appearances at the elite gatherings of magus, establish his authority and reputation as the Magician of the Third Magic, and then ceremonially receive his rank and title.

Similar to the iconic titles held by the Scarred Red or The Father of Jewel Magecraft.

Although Roy, as a Magician, didn't need such titles, and his mastery of magecraft wasn't considered the highest, all he had to do was wait a few more days. They would handle everything for him, preparing his application for the title of Grand Magus along with the endorsements of three lords and numerous Magus families. Even the Department of Policies, which was often at odds with them, would have no reason to oppose it.

Once everything was in place, they could proudly announce Roy's new rank, Grand Magus, the highest rank in the Mage's Association, as well as the Magician of the Third Magic.

At that time, they could ride this momentum, showcasing the Clock Tower's strength to the other two departments. Not only did the Clock Tower boast the elusive Magician of the Second Magic, Zelretch, but now they also had a Grand Magus who wielded the Third Magic. In terms of high-level power, they were now at the top among the three departments. The Mage's Association should logically allocate more resources to the Clock Tower.

Those aligned with the Magician of the Third Magic would gain immeasurable benefits. They would take the lion's share, leaving the leftovers for others to scrape by.

However, Roy no longer wished to remain in that place, playing political games with those old schemers.

His pace of action was so swift that Kayneth hadn't even had time to spread the news before Roy left the next afternoon, the day after Zelretch's arrival, flying directly to Japan.

And he went alone, without taking King Arthur.

Just as he had arrived in London in a hurry, he departed just as quickly, without notifying anyone.

At home, he left a message for Artoria, explaining that he might be away for a while and that during this time, she should stay with Gray at the El-Melloi Mansion, where Reines would take good care of them.

He also left letters on his desk for both Waver and Kayneth.

The first letter was a message of congratulations and praise for Waver becoming an instructor and obtaining classroom credentials. He wished Waver success in continuing his journey on the long road of magecraft, hoping that one day he would reach his goals.

If Iskandar, the King of Conquerors, could see your growth, Roy wrote, he would undoubtedly be proud of you.

The second letter was to congratulate Kayneth and Sola. Roy had learned from Reines that the two would soon be getting married. Since he had accepted a request from Zelretch, he wasn't sure if he would be able to make it back in time, so he expressed his regrets and apologies.

He also explained that he was leaving Gray and Artoria in London and had arranged for Gray to study at the Clock Tower, hoping that Kayneth would support her, and, of course, warn the other noble students.

Waver had already faced discrimination at the Clock Tower for his commoner background, and as his student, Gray would likely face similar disdain. Roy hoped Kayneth could help look after Gray, using his status as a lord to silence those voices when Waver was unable to.

This wasn't a matter of treating Waver and Gray differently, but because if any magus were arrogant or bold enough to overstep their bounds with Gray, they would undoubtedly face the wrath of King Arthur.

Roy wasn't sure what kind of power-up King Arthur... Artoria would receive by setting foot in her homeland of London. But it was easy to imagine that the local faith, the ley lines, and her legendary status would provide a substantial boost to her strength, potentially elevating her to the highest level of heroic spirits.

For example, to the level of a fully-powered King of Heroes.

So, for the sake of the Clock Tower's peace, Kayneth needed to pay more attention to Gray, or there would certainly be serious consequences.

After writing these farewell letters, Roy organized the dream he had last night and the information he had left about the Millenium Castle and Tsukihime. He formulated a general plan of action and then set off.

On the flight to Japan, Roy sat in a simple business class seat, leaning back and resting his eyes, while reviewing the memories he had of Tsukihime, extracting useful information, and consolidating it.

However, due to the butterfly effect, he wasn't naive enough to think that things would unfold exactly as in his memory. His involvement could lead to subtle changes, pushing events toward a different future. And since this world was not static, there would be more unpredictable factors.

This mission involved the Executors of the Church, the Dead Apostle Ancestors, and even the King of the Moon... Type-Moon, so Roy wasn't going to take it lightly.

He wasn't like Gilgamesh, who was born a proud king. While he had confidence in his current abilities, he wasn't arrogant.

Although he had already made a lot of preparations in advance, he still needed to continue refining them to ensure everything went smoothly.

Therefore, before handling this matter, it was necessary for him to find some helpers.

Fortunately, he already had a few good candidates in mind.

...

Afternoon, 14,00.

Fuyuki City.

Before dealing with the matter of Tsukihime, Roy first returned to the familiar city where he had lived for a long time... Fuyuki City.

After getting off the plane, he headed toward his home.

He had already called old man Fujimura right after landing, confirming that his house was still there, and letting him know he would be returning soon.

Fujimura was delighted by the news and invited Roy over for dinner that evening, saying that both Taiga and everyone in the Fujimura group had missed him.

Of course, Roy didn't refuse and immediately agreed to visit that evening.

A few months ago, this peaceful city had been struck by a catastrophic event. The rampage of the Holy Grail War had given birth to a false angel, not recorded in any legend or scripture.

The colossal being of light, far beyond human comprehension, destroyed the entire city in a single night and converted all life within it. Although the miracle of the Holy Grail had erased the damage caused by the angel, the moment of destruction was still etched in people's minds, and those who had died and come back to life retained hazy memories of the bizarre nightmare.

This left clues for others to follow.

In the months since many prominent figures have visited Fuyuki City. Even Magus, Executors, and Dead Apostles within the inner circles had flocked to the city, searching for traces of the Holy Grail War.

Most of their interest stemmed from Kayneth's cryptic report.

It said just enough, but not too much, to spark curiosity and spur various factions to descend upon Fuyuki City, hunting for clues.

However, no matter how hard they searched, it was all in vain.

Those who knew the truth wouldn't reveal the secrets of that night, and the Holy Grail had buried everything, ensuring that this absurd war would forever remain hidden within the city.

...

"Be careful."

At the city park, a small boy chasing a balloon tripped near the roadside. Just as a motorcycle came rushing toward him, drawing screams from the onlookers, an arm gently pulled the boy back.

"Are you okay?"

Roy held the boy, reaching up to grab the red balloon that was floating away.

"Waaaah!"

Only then did the boy realize what had happened, and he burst into tears. His parents rushed over, and the boy finally wriggled out of Roy's arms.

The mother comforted her child while the father continuously thanked Roy, even inviting him over to their home as a token of gratitude.

Roy simply shook his head, declining the invitation and refusing the cash the man offered. He slung his bag over his shoulder and continued walking through the park.

To him, it was just a small act of kindness, nothing worth noting. He only offered a bit of advice.

"As parents, don't be so careless in the future."

"Of course…"

Behind him, the two embarrassed parents nodded repeatedly, still expressing their thanks.

On his way home, while walking past the park benches, Roy noticed a familiar dark figure.

There wasn't much surprise on his face. He simply walked over quietly.

"So, you're still in this city, are you, Emiya Kiritsugu?"

"Ah…"

Kiritsugu, who had been sitting on the bench smoking, trembled slightly when he heard someone call his name. He looked up to see who it was.

"You've come back as well, Master of Avenger."

"This place is like my first home. Of course, I'd come back if I had the chance."

Roy responded to Kiritsugu's question.

"But what's going on with you? You haven't left Fuyuki City, and you look completely worn out."

"So, did you finish what you needed to do?"

Kiritsugu shifted his gaze to Roy, nodding slightly.

"I just returned a week ago. After you snapped me out of it last time, I took Maiya to the Einzbern estate and rescued Illya."

"Oh? You've already brought her back? Well, congratulations then."

Although he already knew the outcome, Roy still smiled and asked, "So, are you planning to settle down in Fuyuki City?"

"Yes." Emiya Kiritsugu replied. "Because of my past foolishness, I made too many mistakes. It wasn't until I lost everything that I realized my regret, and I did too many things that hurt others."

"I owe too much to this city and its people. I can't make up for it, but I can live here quietly, watching its growth and trying to protect its people as much as I can."

"Sounds a bit like a superhero." Roy teased. "Still part-timing as an ally of justice?"

Ally of justice...

"I'm not that noble. I lost the right to be called a hero a long time ago." Kiritsugu shook his head. "I'm no longer an ally of justice either... just a sinner trying to make amends."

"Sorry, I may need to go now. Illya's school day is almost over, and I need to pick up my daughter." Kiritsugu said, standing up.

"Alright, I won't hold you up." Roy nodded, remembering that there was indeed an elementary school nearby. It turned out Kiritsugu had been waiting in the park for his daughter to finish school.

"Alright then, see you later." Kiritsugu nodded back.

As Roy was about to leave, he suddenly stopped and gave Kiritsugu a closer look. "You seem troubled. Is something bothering you?"

"Me? Is it that obvious...?"

"Your worries are written all over your face."

"But if something's making you this exhausted and anxious, it's probably..." Roy glanced at Kiritsugu's tired eyes, "Related to your daughter? Is something wrong with her?"

"Yes. When Maiya and I broke through the Einzbern estate's defenses and rescued Illya, she had already been turned into Lesser Grail by those people."

Kiritsugu clenched his fists.

"Those people really are relentless. Even after everything that happened, they still want to restart the Holy Grail War. Ignorant, arrogant... that's just the nature of magus." Roy narrowed his eyes. "Is there no way to resolve this?"

"No. I've already consulted many magus in this field, but none of them could do anything about Illya's condition." Kiritsugu lowered his head. "They all said it's untreatable. The Einzbern's homunculus technology is too advanced, and their modifications are too intricate. It's unlikely we'll find a magus capable of saving Illya."

"So..." Roy tilted his head, looking at Kiritsugu. "Are you planning to give up?"

"No, of course not. Even if there's no solution, I'll keep searching." Kiritsugu responded resolutely. "I'll face everything, including my sins. I'm no longer the Magus Killer... I'm just a father, a failed father who killed his wife and hurt his child."

Kiritsugu looked up, his eyes filled with unwavering determination. His gaze carried a glimmer of resolve that reflected his commitment.

"I see... You've really changed a lot." Roy remarked, watching him intently.

"After going through all this, some change is inevitable."

"How about making a deal with me, Kiritsugu? Saving your daughter is difficult, but not impossible. At the very least, I know someone who has the ability to help her."

"Is that true?!"

Upon hearing this, Kiritsugu stood up from the bench, excitement evident in his voice. He pressed Roy for more details.

"Please tell me. I'm willing to pay any price... whether it's my magic crest, my life, my soul... whatever it takes to save my daughter, I'm ready to give it."

Seeing the emotional Kiritsugu move closer, Roy waved his hand.

"Calm down. Your life holds no value to me. If I wanted it, I would have taken it long ago."

"But rest assured, I will save your daughter."

Roy's words brought Kiritsugu back to calm.

"So... what do I have to give in return?"

"You won't need to give much. In a few days, I want you to temporarily return to your old profession. Fully armed, I need you to accompany me on a dangerous mission. Your power might not be essential, but having you as a partner would certainly make things easier."

"I accept."

"You're not even going to ask what kind of danger it entails?"

"No need. For my daughter, I'm willing to give my life without hesitation." Kiritsugu replied firmly. "And I trust you. Even if I die, I believe you will still save my daughter."

"That's reassuring to hear."

Roy nodded, then tore a page from his notebook and wrote down the contact information for a place called the Garan no Dou.

"When you get back, try calling this agency. Tell them you're referred by their employer, and they'll understand. Explain your daughter's condition and pay the appropriate fee, and she will be cured."

As Kiritsugu mentioned, the Einzbern family's homunculus technology was indeed top-tier. To save a vessel created from their core technology, the magus involved would need to surpass even the Einzbern's mastery.

Roy had already consulted Jubstacheit during his time at the Einzbern Castle and learned that they had no way to revert Illya back to normal. Sending her back for treatment under his name would only prolong her death.

However, the Grand Puppeteer, Touko Aozaki, was undoubtedly capable. In the entire world, she was probably the only conventional magus who could save Illya.

If even she couldn't do it, then the only hope left would be divine intervention or the power of a miracle... like the Holy Grail itself.

"Thank you! Whatever is required of me next, I will do it!" Kiritsugu lowered his head deeply, offering his most sincere gratitude to the young man who had given him hope in his darkest hour.

"Relax. What we're about to do is dangerous, but it won't cost you your life. When you get back, prepare some equipment and weapons for dealing with the Dead Apostles. In three days, meet me at this location."

Roy handed Kiritsugu a slip of paper with the address.

"This time, you'll be my partner. Let's be true allies of justice and save the world together."

"Allies of justice..." Kiritsugu took a scrap of paper and gave a faint, bitter smile, but he nodded seriously.

Ally of Justice.

That term had cost him so much, and he had lost so much because of it. But this time...

"He won't make the same mistakes again."

___

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