Kryptonians: Man of Steel

Chapter 1306 Negotiations break down
This was not just Tōsaka Tokiomi's personal wish, he almost instinctively believed that most Masters had the same desire as him.

However, what he had not expected was that he would be a lonely traveler in this journey of chasing the root. Except for himself, no one really cared about the illusory root.

"Since our goals are the same, any obstacles that stand in our way should be considered as our common enemy."

Tōsaka Tokiomi's gaze swept across everyone's faces one by one.

"Caster, and the mysterious fictional hero Luther, are our common enemies at this moment. Caster's reckless behavior and abuse of magic not only threaten the mystery of us magicians, but also anger the church. The church has issued a formal order to attack him. As for Luther..."

He paused slightly, his tone becoming more serious: "A servant whose identity and intelligence are all a mystery, possessing an extraordinary foul treasure, and even worse, he stole the treasure of my servant, the Hero King Gilgamesh. Judging from the current situation, any servant facing him alone seems powerless, and even if two servants join forces, it is difficult to ensure victory..."

Kenneth tapped the tabletop lightly, and the rhythmic sound interrupted Tokiomi's words: "Master Tosaka, I already know what you said. The reason why everyone here is willing to gather here is because we all have the consensus to work together to eliminate Luther. So, please just take out the contract!"

Kenneth's words revealed an unquestionable decisiveness, which made Tōsaka Tokiomi secretly admire him in his heart.

The genius of the Clock Tower's style of doing things was indeed as swift and decisive as the rumors said. There was no dragging of feet and not a single trace of arrogance.

"In that case, let's officially get started!"

Tōsaka Tokiomi gently raised his hand, and a surge of magic power flowed, and the contract wrapped in a faint glow slowly spread out in front of everyone.

This is a truce agreement signed privately between the masters and has nothing to do with the church.

The content of the contract is concise and to the point, directly to the core - join forces to eliminate the fictional heroic spirit Luther.

During this period, no individual or force may attack other masters who have signed the contract.

In addition, the contract also lists some specific terms in detail, such as intelligence sharing, no passive combat, no betrayal of teammates, etc., to ensure the smooth progress of cooperation.

However, faced with this seemingly simple contract, no one was in a hurry to sign.

Even the youngest, Weber, could see that something was amiss.

The simplicity of this contract often means that there are many loopholes hidden in it.

They each thought in their minds that these loopholes might bring them unexpected benefits.

Toosaka Tokiomi's smile was a little stiff, and he was thinking secretly in his heart.

He naturally wanted the contract to be as detailed as possible to avoid any possible disputes.

However, a contract that is too detailed will often tie one's hands and feet and put oneself in a passive position in the cooperation.

This is a delicate balance that he needs to strike with caution.

His Servant, Archer, who was hailed as the King of Heroes, was now bedridden with a disease called "King's Disease". The advanced stage of the disease was approaching like the night, and the incurable despair was always with him.

Apart from the three precious Command Seals, Tōsaka Tokiomi seemed to have found no other way to restrain this powerful Servant.

Once upon a time, Tōsaka Tokiomi could use the advice of his subordinates and, as a wise man, try to guide Archer towards a wiser path.

However, ever since he rashly interrupted Archer's fight, that delicate balance was completely broken. Archer's eyes no longer had the slightest respect and obedience, but were replaced by uncontrollable anger and indifference.

Tōsaka Tokiomi knew very well that if it were not for the existence of the Command Seals, Archer would have regarded him as an obstacle and killed him mercilessly with his sword.

This master-servant relationship has now reached its freezing point, with no chance of recovery.

"This contract is too crude, isn't it? Tōsaka Tokiomi, you don't really think that we are all fools who can be manipulated at will, do you?"

Kenneth's voice was tinged with sarcasm. He picked up the contract on the table and flipped through it gently. The rustling sound of the paper was particularly harsh in the silent room.

Kenneth's eyes were full of doubt and disdain. The content of this contract was simply blatantly pushing other Masters into the fire pit, while letting Tōsaka Tokiomi reap the benefits.

He couldn't understand why Tōsaka Tokiomi would make such a ridiculous proposal. Did he really think that with this contract full of loopholes, he could convince everyone and pave the way for his ambitions?
Tousaka Tokiomi sighed softly. He understood Kenneth's doubts, but the setting of this contract was the result of his careful consideration.

“The simpler it is, the more rigorous it is.”

He spoke slowly, "Complex text will only bring more hidden loopholes, leaving opportunities for those with bad intentions to take advantage of. What we need is a contract based on integrity and trust, not cumbersome clauses and restrictions."

He paused.

"Of course I hope that the contract will state that the Servants work together, but the reality is cruel. Archer's pride and independence are his greatest strengths, but also his greatest weaknesses. He will never easily join forces with others, and he will never compromise for the benefit of anyone. You and I both know this."

Kenneth sneered when he heard this. He threw the contract heavily on the table, and the paper bounced on the table with a crisp sound.

His eyes were filled with disappointment and anger; he felt that Tōsaka Tokiomi was too short-sighted.

"Tousaka Tokiomi, your vision is too narrow."

"I don't see a single ounce of sincerity or fairness in this contract. It's more like a trap, an elaborate scam that's trying to entangle all of us."

Just as Tōsaka Tokiomi was about to explain, he saw several familiars appear, and everyone obtained information through their familiars.

"Caster appears!"

It was obvious that the current negotiations were unlikely to succeed, so Kenneth did not hesitate and turned around and left immediately.

Waver followed closely behind, leaving only Tōsaka Tokiomi and Kotomine Kirei watching the two leave with grim expressions.

"Alas, the opportunity for cooperation was missed."

Tōsaka Tokiomi knew very well that if Caster was eliminated next, they would have no basis to sit down and negotiate.

Because the prerequisite for them to sit down and talk is that the church declares that no war is allowed and everyone must cease fighting before Caster is eliminated, otherwise the Holy Church will intervene and forcibly stop the Holy Grail War.

Gilgamesh did not show up either, disdainful of discussing cooperation with a group of miscellaneous cultivators.

(End of this chapter)