Anime: Fight Sukuna at the beginning?.

Chapter 313: Contestants Arriving in Fuyuki City

A stronghold of the [Cathedral Church], a secret priest's room.

When the leading man said, "Please, all 'Agents', extend the back of your hands to check if there are any stigmata that qualify for the Heroic Spirit Summoning."

Unlike Zhuang Zhengyan, who subconsciously touched the back of her hand where no stigmata were visible, and the many "agents" who began to take off their gloves to show the back of their hands, Kotomine Kirei stood silently in the crowd.

This person once belonged to the [Eighth Mystery Society], an organization that collects [holy relics] from the [Church].

Afterwards, he "betrayed" the [Church of the Holy Land] and joined the [Magic Association] to study [Magic] under [Tosaka Tokiomi].

Now, he is ostensibly "at odds" with him and is participating in the Holy Grail War as an independent master, a "slave of several families".

At this moment, he raised high his right hand, which had completed the [Summoning of Heroic Spirits] and transformed the stigma into three [Command Seals].

Compared with the smooth backs of the hands of the other "agents", it looked like a winner who had already secured victory and was silently showing off.

The leading man carefully examined the backs of the hands extended by a group of "agents" including Zhuang Zhengyan.

After repeated confirmation, it was concluded that only Kotomine Kirei had obtained the qualifications of a Master.

Then he said to the agents, "See you off."

".We will dispatch you in batches to provide support to Fuyuki Church. Please be prepared.

"Kirei, please stay for a moment."

Hearing the man's words, Zhuang Zhengyan, who had been reminded by Fang Yi in the [Preparation Space] of the special identity of [Kotomine Kirei] and the need to be wary of [Kotomine Kirei], felt a stir in her heart.

[The information from this secret conversation should be very important. I need to try to use the spell taught to me by 'teacher' to gather some information.]

She glanced at the group of 'agents' out of the corner of her eye, making sure no one paid attention to her actions.

She moved her right foot slightly, lifted the carpet without leaving any trace, drew a symbol on the ground, and then covered it back in its original place.

Just as Zhuang Zhengyan was about to follow the group of "agents" out of the priest's room, the man nodded slightly to Zhuang Zhengyan in the crowd.

Mouth-shaped, giving the command "In x minutes, please come in here and talk to me and wait for further instructions."

In response to the man's instructions, Zhuang Zhengyan just nodded slightly.

Then he pretended to tidy up his clothes, deliberately slowed down his pace, and became the "tail" of the team.

After confirming that she was the last 'agent' to leave this secret priest room, she mouthed "I already know" to the man in the room.
-
After a few minutes, the 'agents' withdrew and returned to the silent priest room.

The man first gestured for Kotomine Kirei to sit down, and then began to issue tasks to this 'faithful' believer.

"Kirei, you and your father (Kotomine Risei), who has already left for Fuyuki City, are both trustworthy warriors of the Church.

"You once joined the [Eighth Secret Society] and were the first Master to summon a Heroic Spirit.

"Therefore, the Church has decided to disclose more information about the Holy Relic to you so that you can better complete your mission.

"Just don't tell the Tohsaka family about this."

Kotomine Kirei's face showed no emotion of joy, anger, sorrow, or happiness.

This man, who seemed like an empty shell, simply responded in a somewhat mechanical and cautious tone.

"Please rest assured that the content of this conversation will not be heard by any third party. I promise you."

The man was obviously very satisfied with Kotomine Kirei's response.

"Kirei, this time the [Holy Grail War] that has been mutated by that [Holy Relic] is extraordinary.

"The value of that [Holy Relic] has reached the level of [Seal Designation].

"Combined with the Heroic Spirits that appeared during the Holy Grail War, a single misstep could trigger a disaster that could endanger the entire nation."

As soon as he heard the words "Seal Designation", Kotomine Kirei immediately realized the seriousness of the matter.

[Seal Designation] is usually used to describe magicians with rare talents who are worthy of being made into specimens and preserved.

The Magic Association usually detains and captures them in the name of "protection", attempting to pass them down to future generations as valuable specimens.

And the fact that that [Holy Relic] can be described as [Seal Designated] means that it has an extremely special function.

The man's next words quickly confirmed Kotomine Kirei's suspicions.

"That [Holy Relic] not only functions as a 'catalyst', it also has a significant amplifying effect on Heroic Spirits. Even a weaker Heroic Spirit will gain a significant increase in combat power if they obtain it.

“.So the church has to recycle it.

"We cannot let it fall into the hands of other uncontrolled Masters or Heroic Spirits, not even the magician [Tōsaka Tokiomi] who is on good terms with us.

"Kirei, when necessary, you will need to make some 'difficult' decisions to demonstrate your loyalty to the Church."

[Kotomine Kirei] hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded slowly and made a promise.

"I will cooperate with the church's 'agents' to bring back this [holy relic]."

The man was obviously very satisfied with Kotomine Kirei's answer and waved his hand to signal the other party to leave.

When Kotomine Kirei was about to leave, the man added another sentence.

"Given the abilities of the old man you summoned who is proficient in Bajiquan, this task will not be difficult for you, but you must proceed with caution.

"When you get to Fuyuki, please give my regards to your father.

"But remember, don't tell him about this."
-
A few minutes later.

Zhuang Zhengyan walked into the priest's room at the agreed time.

Without using faith and experience as a prelude, the man directly quoted the "price".

"You are one of the neutral 'supervisors' dispatched to the [Cathedral Church] in Fuyuki City for this [Holy Grail War].

"But you need to keep a close eye on the Tōsaka family and Kotomine Kirei to ensure they can deliver the Holy Relic to the Church in a timely manner.

"If necessary, you can request assistance to eliminate anyone who is hindering the delivery of the [Relic]. I will dispatch an 'Agent' who is as powerful as a Heroic Spirit to assist you in your mission.

"You have experience participating in the Holy Grail War. Although you haven't manifested any stigmata, you can still try to find the Contract of the Unowned Heroic Spirit and wait for an opportunity to advance the mission."

As the man spoke, he handed over a wanted warrant as a demonstration.

"In return, the church will help you protect you from the troubles from the Magic Association.

"In other words, the 'Agent' who is closely related to you sneaked into the 'Magic Association' and stole the 'Magic Seal' whose value reached the 'Seal Designation'.

"The church will personally vouch for you, clarify that you have no connection with them, and lift the Magic Association's hunting order against you."

As if he felt the chips were not attractive enough, the man wrote another 'blank check'.

"Of course, if you can personally deliver the Holy Relic to the Church.

"The church will try to help you request a 'miracle' to erase the defective bloodline that has been destroying your body for so long."

Zhuang Zhengyan narrowed her eyes and took a few steps in the priest's room.

He pretended to think, as if considering the proposal.

In fact, he secretly 'recovered' the spell that had just recorded the conversation record of [Kotomine Kirei].

After doing all this, she gave a reply in a very concise manner.

"it is good."
-
A few minutes later, a platform appeared.

Zhuang Zhengyan, who had sorted out the information through magic and learned the efficacy of the [Holy Relic], was about to hold the amulet to convey the information to Fang Yi.

The belated [Full Announcement] from the Samsara Space rang in my ears.

[There are currently 5 people entering the arena. One reincarnator who has returned to the reincarnation space has completed the summoning of the heroic spirit. This is to inform you.]

Upon hearing this news, Zhuang Zhengyan was stunned at first, and then realized that it was Fang Yi who completed the summoning of the heroic spirit.

[He's really quick, as expected of him, right?]

"Then I should speed up my journey to Fuyuki City."

She held the amulet with her hand, which did not show any stigmata, and conveyed a message to the man.
-
I have learned important information about this Holy Grail War and will arrive at the [Holy Church] in Fuyuki City as an 'Overseer' in a few hours.

Due to my limited skills, I cannot fully summarize this information. Please choose an opportunity to exchange information with me through the amulet. In addition, I have obtained the assistance of a heroic spirit.

When the time is right, I will introduce her identity and abilities to you.

Your friend.

Zhuang Zhengyan.
-
After doing all this, Zhuang Zhengyan asked towards the open space beside her.

"Teacher, did anyone else notice the entire process of you assisting me in stealing and transmitting information?"

The next moment, she heard a woman's frivolous laughter.

"Oh my, it seems my ability has been questioned by my lovely and suspicious Master.

"But don't worry, I won't mess up anything I put my mind to.

"After all, I am"

Zhuang Zhengyan interrupted the woman's boasting and said coldly.

"Teacher, I need a definite answer.

"In addition, if he encounters problems in the future due to your misjudgment in this matter, our long-term cooperation will end.

"I will deny you access to my dreams to teach me.

"Which means you can only return to your isolated 'tower' and gaze at your sea of ​​flowers alone with your ineffective 'clairvoyance'."

After hearing Miss Zhuang's warning, the woman fell silent for a moment.

After a while, he muttered in a low voice in annoyance.

"You're so stingy, even though I taught you so much.

"In the end, it was for a man."

Faced with the woman's emotional appeal, Miss Zhuang did not respond at all, but simply repeated the warning in a cold tone.

The woman had no choice but to make a promise in a bad mood.

“I promise you, my lady [Protagonist].

"My spells are absolutely, absolutely flawless and will not be discovered by these magicians after the mystery fades away.

"I swear in the name of Lady Avalon and the half-incubus blood in my body."

Miss Zhuang finally relaxed and changed her expression towards the woman.

"Well, that's good, my teacher.

"Let's continue teaching."
-
At the same time, the British "Clock Tower".

Walking in the headquarters of the Magic Association, which governs magicians all over the world, Cheng Xiang, who is located in the highest institution of learning in London, felt a little uncomfortable.

He was heading to the library to gather information on the [Holy Grail War] and to complete the [Assessment Mission I: Summoning Heroic Spirits].

She took off her red robe and changed into a more low-key outfit. She just put on false eyelashes and light lipstick.

But unexpectedly, it still attracted some people's "spying".

After rejecting the fourth man who came to ask for his contact information, [Cheng Xiang] couldn't help but curse in his heart.

[Disgusting, these British guys.]

[Do you like playing with men so much in this era? 】

After taking a look at the burly man whom he had rejected, [Cheng Xiang] licked his lips again.

This is truly delightful.

If I weren't pressed for time and had business to attend to, I'd love to try some exotic food.

【Have sex with them and then eat them.】

[Cheng Xiang] touched the holy mark on his right hand, tiptoed, and floated into the library.

It took several minutes, with the help of the librarian.

He finally found the book titled "Anecdotes of the Holy Grail War" in the empty library, which recorded the method of drawing the summoning array.

Just as he was about to reach out and take the book off the shelf, a rough and dark hand reaching for the book came into his sight.

[Prime Minister Cheng] tilted his head and saw an ordinary face and a black robe.

It was the man he had met in the preparation room before.

【Want to snatch something from me?】

[Cheng Xiang] turned his left hand into a fist and used his magic to smash the face of the man in black robe. He stretched out his right hand and extended it a few inches to grab the book.

But unexpectedly, the man in black robe snorted coldly.

An extremely swift black light flashed, and a fierce murderous intent filled the entire space.

[Cheng Xiang] opened his eyes wide and tried his best to capture the enemy's attack. It was not until the black light was about to touch his left hand that he understood the details of the black light.

It was a hand that the opponent stretched out from under the black robe, holding a long stone knife in a strange posture.

This stone sword is dark and heavy, probably made of a mineral like obsidian. It would be difficult for an ordinary person to wield it.

But under the opponent's swordsmanship, it seemed as light as the wind, faintly exuding a sense of returning to nature.

Cheng Xiang, who sensed all this, couldn't help but be shocked.

[This sword technique is so natural and effortless! How did he practice it?]

[This is already approaching the perfect state of [Mastery Level Sword Skills], and is about to break through to the next level!]

[How could someone master a sword technique that can only be mastered after reaching two levels in advance!]

Just as the black-robed man swung the long stone knife that touched Cheng Xiang's left hand, he was about to cut it off.

The black-robed man, sensing the touch of the knife, let out a light exclamation of doubt.

The next moment, the stone long knife collided with Cheng Xiang's left hand, making a slightly dull collision sound that the man was not expecting.

As the ground cracked, the stone sword swung by the man bounced high.

But only a white mark appeared on Cheng Xiang's fair left hand, and the black-robed man's attack ended in vain.

After this collision, both of them withdrew their hands that were reaching for the book.

They each took a few steps back and kept a close eye on their opponent.

This is a very tough opponent.

This thought arose in both of their minds.

The next moment, the confrontation between the two was interrupted by the belated [Full Announcement] from the main god space that rang in their ears.

[There are currently 5 people entering the arena. One reincarnator who has returned to the reincarnation space has completed the summoning of the heroic spirit. This is to inform you.]

Upon hearing that the enemy's mission progress was significantly ahead, [Cheng Xiang] was the first to put away his stance and show goodwill.

"Prime Minister Cheng, I only want the knowledge of the summoning array."

The man in black robe also gave a clear and concise answer.

"Zhang Yong, I also want the knowledge on summoning arrays, and the list of students who can borrow this book."

The two looked at each other and quickly reached a consensus.
-
A few minutes later, a fax shop.

Zhang Yong is sending a fax.

This is how the fax begins.

"Mr. Emiya Kiritsugu, you asked me to investigate."

(End of this chapter)