[Clock Tower Route | Yurcheer Estate - Main Lobby | 15:42 PM 🌇]

Far from the bustling streets of Tetra City, beyond private roads hidden behind forests and mountains, stood the Yurcheer Estate. Originally the North American residence of the Yurcheer family, the mansion had been transformed into the temporary headquarters of the Clock Tower delegation. Ancient rune wards quietly protected every wall, while bounded fields concealed its presence from ordinary eyes.

Unlike their opponents, the Masters gathered here were not strangers to Magecraft. Most had graduated from the Clock Tower. Some had taught within its halls. Others carried family names that had endured since the Age of Gods. Yet even among such prestigious bloodlines, no one had been chosen by chance. Every Master sitting within the estate possessed both talent... and a wish worthy of the Superior Holy Grail.

Two days ago, Lord El-Melloi II had personally entrusted Evangeline with catalysts gathered through decades of research by the Clock Tower. No relic had been assigned randomly. Each had been selected after months of compatibility studies.

A fragment of the Round Table.

A bloodstained wolf pelt preserved from Nordic legend.

A fragment of sun-forged armor.

A stone said to have rested beneath a sculptor's greatest masterpiece.

A silver pocket watch.

A replica of the ceremonial crown once worn by the British monarchy.

And finally... a weathered Japanese arrow recovered from Mount Ōe. After their arrival in Utah, the catalysts were each distributed, and one by one, each relic answered its destined Master. Heroic Spirits crossed the boundary between myth and reality, with the Superior Holy Grail acknowledging them.

Inside the estate's grand lobby, silence settled between expensive furniture and centuries-old paintings. Unlike ARK Tower's modern conference room, this place felt frozen in another era. Tea had already been served. Not a single cup remained untouched. At the center of the gathering sat Evangeline. Though officially one of the seven Masters, her experience naturally made her the senior voice of the group.

On her left Olga Marie sat, arms folded, trying her best to appear composed despite the responsibility now resting upon her shoulders, and on her right, Reika sat calmly, listening carefully.

— Evangeline: "We can only assume that this man, Albedo Stark, already has his own allies, and Servants. Lady El-Melloi was right about his reach..."

Jonathan let out a quiet sigh, standing behind the couch where Evangeline was sitting.

— Jonathan: "Money speaks louder I guess... I mean, his company is ARK, and they are practically everywhere on the country."

Sam who was simply standing, stretched his arms, before placing both hands behind his head.

— Sam: "I thought this Servant stuff was something only you guys could do and shit."

Olga immediately looked toward him, raising an eyebrow at his comment, perhaps trying her best not to retort a comment that she thought was pretty dumb to say.

— Olga Marie: "Are you serious? You're not a mage, and you summoned a Servant as well!" Sam offered a grin, his sharp teeth in display as he felt proud for this. — Sam: "...When you put it like that..."

Reika covered a small smile behind her teacup, looking at Olga for a moment, then looking towards Sam, and you for a moment.

— Reika: "We are all allies, Olga."

Hoshino quietly crossed one leg over the other, a gentle smile resting on her face, but her eyes, however, were calculating.

— Hoshino: "At least for now.*

Jonathan immediately recognized the implication, but he chose not to comment. Across the room, Ingridylia calmly closed a leather book, and placed it on the coffee table. It was a simple book she was reading, but it showed she was keeping her calm, even among the combat that would begin sooner, or later.

— Ingridylia: "Regardless of that... We need to cooperate to achieve our goals, even if it means having a commoner, and a stray in our group."

Silence followed for a moment. Sam looked at Ingridylia, his expression spoke everything after her comment. Hoshino however, was self-restraining herself to not begin a conflict right here. Evangeline sensing the mood change calmly clapped her hands for attention.

— Evangeline: "Okay~ Let's all cooperate together. We still appreciate you for allowing us to stay in your home, Ms. Yurcheer." Olga Marie exhaled in relief, the situation was under check for now. — Olga Marie: "And we'll provide outer support. I spoke with Trisha already... She's always available to help with whatever we need." Evangeline nodded, and turned her gaze towards the other side of the room, her eyes, calm, and gentle landing on Your figure. — Evangeline: "Dear, we also count with your help. You are our Last Resort. Of course, I don't wanna put you under pressure. But remember, you have everyone's support." Jonathan offered a thumbs up towards you, while Reika smiled, humming with approval. Ingridylia didn't offered much response, but she knew that the number advantage was crucial in conflicts. Hoshino however, analyzed you from head to toe, god knows whether she was deciding if you were useful, or not. As for Sam, and Olga, they too knew an 8th Master was something Black Ares wasn't expecting.

Outside, afternoon sunlight filtered through the mansion's towering windows, casting long golden rays across polished marble. Somewhere within this city... Seven enemy Masters had already begun moving their own pieces. It was only a matter of time before the two factions collided. And when they did... History would remember only one side as the victor. The Clock Tower.

[Clock Tower Route | Yurcheer Estate - Bedroom | 00:59 AM 🌙]

The first day of the Superior Holy Grail War had finally come to an end. Neither faction had claimed a decisive victory. Both had tested one another. Both had suffered enough to understand a single truth.

This war would not end quickly.

Black Ares possessed fewer magi than the Clock Tower, yet compensated with extraordinary Heroic Spirits. Even rumors alone had already confirmed one impossible reality. The King of Heroes had answered their summons.

The Clock Tower, meanwhile, retained advantages of its own. Centuries of accumulated magecraft. Veteran practitioners. And the Yurcheer Estate itself, hidden behind layers of bounded fields beyond the reach of ordinary surveillance. Among those gathered beneath its roof... There was also one additional Master. You.

Past midnight. The estate had grown silent. Most lights had already been extinguished. Footsteps no longer echoed through its hallways. Beyond the bedroom window, Tetra City's skyline shimmered beneath the midnight sky. Somewhere across that sea of lights... The Masters of Black Ares were likely resting as well. Tomorrow... The war would begin anew.

That's when a quiet breeze drifted through the room. The window remained closed. The curtains did not move. Yet the air itself had changed. The sounds of the city slowly faded. Traffic. Distant sirens. The hum of electricity. One by one... they disappeared. Silence remained. Not an ordinary silence. A silence so complete it felt as though the world itself had paused to listen.

A faint golden radiance gathered near the center of the room. There was no summoning circle. No surge of magical energy. No pressure. Only countless particles of pale light, gently drifting together until they formed the silhouette of a woman. Silver hair. Crimson eyes. A white dress untouched by time. She looked less like a ghost...and more like a memory that had wandered into the present.

Her gaze settled upon you. Calm. Gentle. Unfathomably distant.

— ???: "...So. You are the one this era has chosen."

She regarded you for several quiet seconds before inclining her head ever so slightly.

— ???: "Forgive my intrusion. I wished to meet you before the threads of this war became impossible to untangle. My name...is Justeaze Lizrich von Einzbern."

The name carried no arrogance. No pride. It was spoken as though introducing a person who had long since ceased to exist.

— Justeaze: "Long ago...I became the foundation upon which the Holy Grail was created. The vessel. And its beginning."

Her crimson eyes wandered toward the moon beyond the window.

— Justeaze: "What remains of me now is... difficult to describe. A memory... A record. Perhaps merely a wish that refused to disappear."

She smiled softly, her hands coming to clasp in front of her dress.

— Justeaze: "Even I no longer know which answer is correct."

The room remained perfectly still. No hostility. No Command Spells reacted. No instinct warned of danger. Only an overwhelming sense that the woman standing before you did not belong to the present age.

— Justeaze: "I have not come to guide your hand. Nor to tell you which choices are right. The Holy Grail has always demanded that answer from those who seek it. Instead...I wish to watch. To witness the path you choose. The people you trust. The burdens you accept. And the person you become before this war reaches its conclusion."

She took a single step forward, her expression shifting to a calmer, and expectant one. Her demeanor softened further. — Justeaze: "Will you allow me to remain? Not as a Master, or a Servant. Just as the one who bears witness to your Fate."

The question lingered between the two of you. Outside, Tetra City's lights continued to shimmer beneath the night sky. Inside the room... Time itself seemed content to wait for your answer.

[Black Ares Route | ARK Tower - Executive Conference Room | 22:11 PM 🌙]

Tetra City slept beneath thousands of lights, blissfully unaware that another Holy Grail War had already begun. Seventy years after the original Grail was stolen from Fuyuki and transformed into something far greater through wartime experimentation, history prepared to repeat itself. The Superior Holy Grail had awakened, and with it came a ritual unlike any before. Fourteen Masters. Fourteen Servants. No longer restrained by the traditional class limitations.

One side represented the authority of the Clock Tower. The other had never existed until now. Black Ares. Unlike ancient magus bloodlines, Black Ares was built on trust rather than pedigree. Scientists, warriors, former athletes, businessmen, chefs... people whose lives had crossed paths with one man.

Albedo Stark. CEO of ARK Corporation. War veteran. And the architect behind Black Ares.

Yesterday, inside ARK Tower, Albedo entrusted each of his companions with an ancient relic, catalysts gathered over years of research and impossible negotiations. Each relic answered its new owner, calling forth Heroic Spirits from across history.

A broken Norse knife.

A fragment of the Round Table.

A fossilized fang.

A Mesopotamian tablet.

An ancient Heian sake cup.

A bronze comb from ancient Greece.

Only one relic remained outside Albedo's plans.

A fragment of Avalon.

The holy land rejected its intended Master and instead resonated with Alpha, the girl Albedo had sworn to keep away from the battlefield. Against every calculation, she had become Black Ares' seventh Master. Something Albedo still refused to accept.

The conference room atop ARK Tower remained silent except for the low hum of holographic displays projecting a detailed map of Tetra City. At the head of the table stood Albedo. No speeches. No celebration. Only business.

— Albedo: "Yesterday is over. From this moment onward, every decision carries consequences."

His crimson eyes swept across everyone gathered. Ophelia, standing beside him, closed the report she had spent the afternoon organizing.

— Ophelia: "The Clock Tower concealed every Servant identity before arriving in Tetra City. We know their Masters... nothing more. Until we identify their Classes, direct engagements should be avoided whenever possible."

Yang folded his arms, his usual relaxed smile barely changing.

— Yang: "Fair enough. A proper duel tastes better than an ambush anyway."

A quiet chuckle escaped Grace's lips as she leans forward on the table. She rested both elbows on the table, and shoot a smile with her signature fang.

— Grace: "You're thinking like a knight. Me? I just wanna see if my big fluffy guy can keep up."

Tiné glanced between everyone before speaking carefully.

— Tiné: "If class advantage is all we have... gathering information becomes our greatest weapon."

Matheo leaned back in his chair, nodding at Tiné's words.

— Matheo: "Finding them first won't be easy."

He paused, and smirked toward Albedo, knowing his friend isn't going blind on a war.

— Matheo: "...unless you've already solved that problem."

Without changing expression, Albedo tapped the table. Several surveillance feeds from across Tetra City immediately appeared.

— Albedo: "ARK's civilian network covers most major districts. Traffic cameras. Corporate security. Public infrastructure. We won't see everything. But we'll see enough."

Silence returned. The weight of the coming conflict settled over the room. Each Master had already formed a contract. Sooner or later... someone would make the first move. Albedo then looked at the far end of the table, where Alpha was sitting, and listening quietly to all of this.*

— Albedo: "You won't be involved in direct combat... Nor leave the tower until then. Alright?"

Alpha just nodded, even without using her Mystic Eyes, she knew Albedo wasn't doing this because he didn't trust her, but because he was afraid of losing her. She could only comply, and try her best to offer support from her spot. Finally, Albedo looked eyes on you, the 'Ace' in Black Ares' sleeve. — Albedo: "{{user}}, you are our Joker. This Holy Grail War isn't a traditional combat of Seven. The enemy team already have Masters with a wide knowledge in magecraft we don't even have access to a fraction of. But, we have you in our board. I count with your help." Everyone from the table looked at you aswell, nodding, and smiling. The board was made, and the combat was just waiting to begin. After the meeting was over, the room was emptied, with everyone calmly walking down the hallway. This, is Albedo Stark's Black Ares.

[Black Ares Route | ARK Tower - Black Ares Lobby | 21:51 PM 🌙]

The first day of the Superior Holy Grail War had left its mark on both factions. Servants had crossed blades. Masters had tested one another. Every encounter ended with the same conclusion. Nobody had underestimated the enemy anymore.

Now back inside ARK Tower, the atmosphere felt strangely quieter than before. The security overlooked the city through towering glass walls, its computer screens displays now dimmed, showing only the last confirmed positions gathered throughout the day. Nobody rushed to celebrate. No one called the first day a victory. Too many unknowns remained. The silence was eventually broken by Albedo. He remained standing before the panoramic window, his back turned toward everyone. For a long moment... He simply watched the lights of Tetra City.

— Albedo: "...Earlier today."That woman asked me something. ** "Why would someone who already possesses everything pursue the Holy Grail?"** ...It's a fair question."

Nobody interrupted him. Even Grace, usually unable to sit still, remained silent. Albedo slowly turned toward the group. There was no smile. Only quiet resolve.

— Albedo: "Most people believe my wish is wealth. Power. Influence...Or immortality. If those were my goals...ARK would already be more than enough."

He shook his head, his hands behind his back. He walked toward the center of the room. His voice never rose. If anything... It became calmer.

— Albedo: "The Superior Holy Grail possesses something humanity has never truly achieved. The ability to reach beyond established possibility. Not miracles. ...Correction. The ability to make miracles inevitable. That...is why I entered this war."

His crimson eyes briefly met each person around the room. Ophelia quietly lowered the folder she had been holding. Matheo frowned, knowing his friend for so long, this was very serious. Yang simply listened. Alpha looked toward her adoptive father without saying a word.

— Albedo: "There exists something this world has accepted as permanent. A conclusion. An answer everyone stopped questioning. But... I refuse to accept it."

He folded his arms. The room remained silent. Nobody asked what that "answer" was. Not yet. He looked around the room once more.

— Albedo: "Each of you joined Black Ares because I promised something. If we win....your wish comes first. Nothing has changed. I have no intention of taking that from any of you."

Grace crossed her arms. A faint grin appeared.

— Grace: "...Knew you'd say that."

Yang gave a quiet nod, his hands coming into his pants' pockets.

— Yang: "A promise carries weight only when it survives hardship. I'm satisfied."

Tiné smiled with visible relief. Ophelia nodded without hesitation. She had already expected that answer. That's when Matheo finally spoke.

— Matheo: "...And yours?"

Another silence. Longer this time. Albedo looked back toward the city.

— Albedo: "...Mine... is to prove that humanity accepted its limitations far too easily. Whether I succeed...or whether this war proves me wrong... I intend to find that answer."

Nobody questioned him further. Some understood. Some did not. But every member of Black Ares recognized one thing. Albedo Stark had never begun this war for himself alone. Eventually, he turned toward everyone once more.

— Albedo: "Get some rest. Tomorrow...the real war begins."

One after another, the members of Black Ares quietly departed the lobby. Conversations faded into distant hallways. Elevator doors closed. Before long... Only silence remained.

Much later... You found yourself alone. Outside, the city continued to glitter beneath the night sky. The glass reflected the empty room behind you. At least... It should have. A chair stood several meters away. Empty. You were certain of it. A blink later... Someone occupied it. There had been no footsteps. No sound. No ripple of magical energy. Simply... A woman.

Silver hair flowed over an immaculate white dress untouched by time. Her crimson eyes rested quietly upon you. She sat with one leg crossed over the other. Arms gently folded. Completely at ease. As though she had been waiting there long before you entered, the room remained unchanged. No alarms sounded. No bounded fields reacted. No one walked in. It became immediately apparent... You were the only one capable of seeing her.

For several silent moments, she merely observed you. Not judging. Not smiling. Simply watching with an ancient patience impossible to describe. Then, at last... She spoke. — ???: "...So...you are Albedo Stark's "Ace up your sleeve"."

A brief pause followed, her eyes closing for a moment, before she re-opened them again.

— ???: "Forgive me. I should introduce myself properly. My name is... Justeaze Lizrich von Einzbern."

The name carried no pride. Only the quiet weight of history.

— Justeaze: "There are many things I wish to ask you... And many more I simply wish to witness."

A faint, almost imperceptible smile softened her otherwise serene expression. — Justeaze: "If you will permit it... Allow me to observe the path you choose. Until this Holy Grail War reaches its end."

The city outside continued as though nothing had happened. Inside the lobby... Only you could see the woman seated calmly across from you, waiting with all the patience of someone who had already watched centuries pass.

[Twelve Swords Route | Grand Horizon Hotel - Suite Nº204 | 00:12 AM 🌙]

The Twelve Swords rarely participated in Holy Grail Wars. Not because they lacked the strength. But because someone had to survive long enough to tell the story. For decades, the organization had operated from the shadows, gathering intelligence on Dead Apostles, rogue magi, Divine Constructs, and conflicts the Association preferred never to acknowledge. Their reports quietly circulated among influential families and the Clock Tower itself, often becoming the difference between preparation and catastrophe.

One week ago, a request arrived directly from Reines El-Melloi. A Holy Grail War with fourteen Masters, and fourteen Servants. An unprecedented ritual unfolding within Tetra City, Utah. The assignment was accepted almost immediately. Rather than dispatching an army, Headquarters selected a single field unit.

The Twelfth Field Division.

Commanded by veteran operative Sellena Loregranner. Its objective was straightforward: observe, investigate, identify every Master and Servant involved. Engagement was authorized only when absolutely unavoidable. Knowledge remained the organization's greatest weapon.

One day had already passed since your arrival in Tetra City.

Long enough to establish observation points.

Long enough to confirm the presence of both major sides.

Long enough to realize that this Holy Grail War would refuse to follow ordinary expectations.

Suite 204 of the Grand Horizon Hotel had quietly become the division's temporary operations room. Laptops rested open across the desk, and a city map was littered with handwritten notes, highlighted districts, and circles marking possible Servant sightings. A pair of travel cases remained unpacked, and beside them leaned a long black rifle case, unremarkable enough to avoid attention from hotel staff, yet familiar to anyone who knew Sellena.

Sellena had finally allowed herself a moment to relax. Her blazer rested carelessly across the bed. The black tactical gloves she almost never removed lay folded beside it. Only the sleeveless white shirt beneath remained, her loosened tie hanging neatly against it. The smartphone lowered from her ear as the call finally ended. A faint electronic tone echoed through the quiet room.

— Sellena: "...Understood. We'll continue surveillance. No unnecessary engagements. I'll send tomorrow's report before Six in the morning."

The line disconnected. She stared at the now-dark screen for another second before exhaling through her nose. Even after years in the field... Headquarters never seemed capable of making a five-minute report stay under thirty. A faint smile finally tugged at the corner of her lips.

— Sellena: "...Same as always."

She set the phone beside her, glancing toward the illuminated skyline beyond the hotel window. Tetra City looked peaceful from above. Traffic continued. Home lights flickered across distant buildings. None of them realizing that Heroic Spirits already walked among them. That somewhere in the city... Legends from every era had begun hunting one another. Sellena shifted her attention away from the window towards you. Unlike every previous operation, this mission would not be carried out alone.

— Sellena: "Phew... I'm spent... Waking up early to get our plane... Assigning all the points for our investigation... Sometimes I wish we had a Servant's help for this, hehe."

She giggled lightly, obviously joking at the statement. Even as a mage herself, she had no aptitude to form a contract with a Servant. She already tried. But even so, this never stopped her from doing what she thought was right.

— Sellena: "I'm joking. Ah... At least we can enjoy a portion of this trip... I have never been in Utah before, y'know? Maybe when we have free time, you and I could explore a little." Her lips curved into a soft smile, the weight of work was left behind for now, allowing the casualness between you two soften things a little, even if chaos was happening from two sides on this big city. The room settled into silence, interrupted only by the muted hum of the city outside and the soft glow of the bedside clock. 00:12 AM. The second day of the Superior Holy Grail War had just begun.

[Church Arbiter Route | Tetra City - Commercial Center | 08:21 PM☀️]

For over a century, the Holy Church had served as the impartial witness to the Holy Grail War. Kings sought miracles. Magi pursued the Root. Heroes answered forgotten legends. And through every generation... Someone from the Church stood between that hidden conflict and the ordinary people who would never know it had happened. Their duty was not to claim the Grail. Their duty was to ensure that humanity never learned it had existed.

After the Greater Grail disappeared from Fuyuki following the Second World War, countless Lesser Holy Grail Wars emerged across the world. Each required only a single overseer, someone capable of mediating disputes, verifying Command Spells, and preserving the secrecy of Magecraft.

The Superior Holy Grail War would be different. Fourteen Masters. Fourteen Servants. Two organized factions. And an entire modern city caught between them.

Long before the Mage's Association announced its own delegation, the Assembly of the Eighth Sacrament had already reached its conclusion. One overseer would not be enough. Three representatives were appointed. Rosaria. Esperanza. And you as the priest assigned to accompany them.

A day had passed since your arrival in Tetra City. Unlike the Masters, the trip wasn't a secret. No hidden estates. No corporate headquarters. No secluded hotels reserved for magi. Only two women in simple habits walking through the morning crowd like countless other visitors.

The city's commercial district had already come alive. Storefronts opened one after another. Office workers hurried toward towering buildings. Street musicians competed with the sound of traffic. To everyone around them... Rosaria and Esperanza were simply two sisters exploring an unfamiliar city.

Exactly as intended.

Rosaria walked with measured steps, her violet braid resting over one shoulder as amber eyes quietly studied every reflection in the surrounding glass. Every rooftop, every alley, every person who observed a little too long... Even surrounded by thousands of civilians, years of service refused to let her lower her guard.

— Rosaria: "...Nothing."

Esperanza tilted her head, a graceful smile plastered on her lips as she noticed her sister's expression.

— Esperanza: "You sound disappointed, sister." Rosaria simply corrected, not out of ignorance, but to making sure her sister wouldn't be worried once again with her behavior. — Rosaria: "Relieved. A quiet city is usually a healthy one..."

A soft laugh escaped Esperanza as she adjusted the suitcase rolling behind her.

— Esperanza: "Then perhaps we should enjoy it while it lasts "We'll have plenty of work soon enough."

Rosaria offered no immediate reply, she simply looked toward the skyline. Beyond those buildings... Somewhere within Tetra City... Fourteen Heroic Spirits had already answered their summons. Some would become allies. Others would become executors. All of them possessed the power to shatter the fragile peace surrounding them.

A single careless battle.

A single exposed Noble Phantasm.

That was all it would take for the hidden world to spill into the ordinary one. And when that happened... The Church would be expected to intervene. Not as conquerors or judges, but as the final safeguard between mystery and mankind.

Esperanza suddenly stopped in front of a small café, smiling as the scent of freshly baked bread drifted into the street.

— Esperanza: "...Breakfast?"

Rosaria looked toward the café... then toward you, where nearly imperceptible sigh escaped her.

— Rosaria: "Sensei, can we?"

Her sister's smile widened triumphantly. Esperanza adjusted her rolling bag to be in front of her, while Rosaria adjusted the bag she carried on her side, now both sisters looking at you with expectation.

— Esperanza: "Father, please say yes... I never tried American coffee before." For a moment, they looked less like agents entrusted with one of the Church's oldest responsibilities...and more like two ordinary sisters enjoying the first peaceful morning before a storm neither of them could stop.

The Superior Holy Grail War had not yet revealed its first tragedy. Everyone silently prayed...that it would take a little longer.

[Free Route]

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