Why bother with the Holy Grail War? Let's play cards!

After hearing the conversation between Jiang You and Emiya Kiritsugu, Matou Zouken confirmed that this Emiya Kiritsugu was Jiang You's master in the current timeline.

"Sir Emiya Kiritsugu. The Matou family's Master, Kariya, is doomed to failure in this Holy Grail War due to his inferior magical talent. Therefore, we wish to withdraw from this Holy Grail War. We can transfer control of our Berserker to you. Let's discuss this." Since Jiang You had no intention of cooperating, Matou Zouken sought a different approach, attempting to persuade Jiang You's Master. In his opinion, Emiya Kiritsugu could still use the Command Seals to control Jiang You.

"Caster?" Kiritsugu Emiya asked Jiang You. He was indeed a little tempted. Even though the rules of the Holy Grail War had been rewritten beyond recognition by Jiang You, the common sense that one more person meant a better chance of winning was still a common pain.

"Don't worry, you're dealing with a 6-year-old man who threw a six-year-old girl into a 'Marking Bug' for magical transformation. His crimes include, but are not limited to, molesting a young girl, inciting murder, human experimentation, and identity fraud. His specific actions are as follows..." Seeing that Emiya Kiritsugu seemed interested, Jiang You recounted Matou Zouken's actions. "So, are you sure you want to cooperate, Mr. Righteous Partner?"

Perhaps if only he knew about it, Kiritsugu Emiya would make appropriate use of Zouken Matou, but now that Jiang You has made it so clear, Kiritsugu Emiya nodded and took out his weapon in response.

"It seems your understanding of the magician profession is still limited." Matou Zouken shook his head. He felt that such a thing was too common for a magician, and he couldn't understand the two people's reasoning. "I activate the Continuous Trap Card [Book of False Minister]! Pay 1500 Life Points and equip it to [Emiya Kiritsugu]!"

An ancient book with a red cover appeared in front of Emiya Kiritsugu. After his name was engraved on it, Emiya Kiritsugu was transferred to Matou Zouken's site.

Matou Zouken LP4000→2500

"So this is the effect of Emiya Kiritsugu. He's worthy of the title of Magician Killer." Matou Zouken nodded. Emiya Kiritsugu was indeed quite powerful. As a direct summon, he could directly break through his defenses. No wonder Jiang You prioritized him. "Because of the effect of the Book of Treason. Emiya Kiritsugu's attack power is reduced to half of its original value, and he can't activate the effect."

[Emiya Kiritsugu] Attack Power 1600→800

"Good boy, what a mass arrest! Then I activate the effect of [Illyasviel von Einzbern]. This card can be Special Summoned when there is a [Snow Castle] or an 8-star or higher 'Berserker' Servant on the field. I will Special Summon it in Attack Position. Come on, Ilya, let's continue beating up your old man."

[Illyasviel von Einzbern] Attack 1500 → 2000

Illya stepped onto the battlefield.

"No matter how many times, it feels magical." Illya was used to the feeling of being summoned into the Duel Space. Time in the Duel Space stopped for those in other time and space, and at the end of the battle, she would be teleported back to the original time in her original state. She glanced at Kiritsugu Emiya, then turned to Jiang You and asked, "Caster, who is our opponent this time? And why is Kiritsugu here?"

Jiang You pointed at the old man in front of him and said, "Matou Zouken, he bullied your father away. Now he is our enemy."

Ilya stomped her foot, her voice filled with anger, "I knew it! You traitor!"

Emiya Kiritsugu: “…”

Chapter 14: Aspiring to Become a Partner of Justice

"Then I will activate the magic card [Magician Killer Intelligence Collection], negating and destroying your [Bug Magic Workshop]!" The special move that only occurs once per round is still too powerful in the current environment. Since Zouken Matou has already used up all his cards and has an empty backfield, Jiang You directly chooses to get rid of this field magic card that can increase resources.

"It's actually ineffective to destroy it again. You're so lucky that you saved your life." Matou Zouken said with some regret.

When this [Insect Magic Workshop] is targeted by an effect, you can free yourself to Special Summon one [Matou] Servant or [Crest Insect] or [Blade Insect] from your Deck.

Jiang You glanced at Matou Zouken in surprise, thinking, "Is this old man crazy? Isn't the effect written on it? If it can't be ineffective, who will explode?"

Without saying anything more, Jiang You entered the battle phase. "Then, [Illyasviel von Einzbern] attacks [Spirit Blade Bug]! Engel Lied!"

The hawk made of silver light grabbed the thorny blade insect directly. Several thorny blade insects that were formed into one tried to scatter and avoid it, but it was in vain and they were sent directly to the cemetery.

Matou Zouken inkstone LP2500→LP1500

Matou Zouken's body trembled, and he felt the life draining away. But he didn't care too much, as he could discard this decaying body at any time.

"It would be better to attack [Matou Sakura] directly, she is a bigger threat." After the attack, Illya asked Jiang You,

Of course, it's because the effect of [Spiky Blade Bug] is that it can attack directly.

Jiang You then realized that characters couldn't see each other's card descriptions. Because the only people he'd been fighting against before, besides the confused security guy who'd been forcibly dragged over, were the Einzberns, both sides knew exactly what the cards were doing.

However, the Yu-Gi-Oh anime world is designed this way, with neither player knowing the effects of their opponent's cards. Only cards that have appeared once will have corresponding information. I didn't expect that this also follows the original work.

"Oh, that's not right. Kiritsugu seemed to have reminded me before. So that thing is a guide for beginners?" Jiang You didn't know whether to praise or criticize the design of this thing.

"Of course I kept her here to prove to her that I have the ability to rescue her. I will let her see with her own eyes that I defeat the old bug, take her out to bask in the sun, and beat up her irresponsible biological father, Lao Deng." Jiang You felt that there was no need to tell the truth to the NPCs. The fact that it would be too troublesome to explain to these NPCs with their intelligence level was secondary. It would be too troublesome if they thought he was cheating. He made up a reason on the spot.

"Do you have a special fascination with scenes of daughters beating their fathers?" Illya couldn't help but complain when she heard Jiang You's words.

[Matou Sakura Favorability Reward [Matou Sakura]*1 has been sent via email, please claim it promptly]

Seeing the email he suddenly received, Jiang You looked at Matou Sakura with the same hot eyes as Matou Zōken had looked at him before.

Feeling Jiang You's gaze, Matou Sakura had to look away from Jiang You. It was hard to tell whether it was joy or disgust in her lifeless pupils.

"Just tell me whether Emiya Kiritsugu should fight or not?" Jiang You also retracted his gaze and responded to Illya.

"You're right, he deserves a beating!" Illya agreed.

"No, Caster, you should at least explain the situation to her. Explain to her the effect of the next card." Realizing that he was about to suffer an unexpected disaster, Kiritsugu Emiya hurriedly persuaded Jiang You to defend himself.

Jiang You ignored it and ended his turn in the backfield by covering two cards.

"It's my turn, draw a card! Looks like I'm lucky. I activate the Spell Card [Founding Three], targeting a face-up [Tōsaka, Masaki, Einzbern]. The designated card's ATK increases by 1000, and I flip over the top 7 cards of my deck for confirmation. I select a Servant from those 7 to Special Summon, and banish the other 6 cards face-down!"

[Matou Zouken] Attack power 1800 → 2800

Seven cards were spread out in front of Zouken Matou. "Well, this is it. I Special Summon [Crest Bug]!"

【Marking Bug】★★ Attack Power 500

A magical creature with an appearance that was difficult to judge appeared on the field. Faced with this thing, Illya covered her mouth with an embarrassed look and took a few steps back, while Sakura Matou did not react at all, obviously she was numb.

"Well then, I'll put myself in attack mode and enter the battle phase! First, [Marking Bug] attacks [Illyasviel von Einzbern]!"

"Are you crazy?" Illya was surprised by Zouken Matou's suicidal behavior. Zouken Matou's remaining LP was reduced to zero because of this blow.

Jiang You naturally wouldn't let him succeed. "Activate the cover card [Confuse Master]! When the opponent declares an attack, I can redesignate my target. The target I want to designate is myself!"

Jiangyou LP4000→LP3500

"What a sharp intuition! Damage dealt to the [Marking Bug] in battle is negated, and targets that fight and destroy the [Marking Bug] will lose control of it. However, considering my limited lifespan, this seems a bit deliberate." Matou Zouken was not disappointed. "Then next, I [Matou Zouken] will attack [Illyasviel von Einzbern]!"

Dense swarms of tiny flying insects gathered around Matou Zou, forming a black mist.

Jiang You also counterattacked, "Activate the Trap Card [Supporting Shot]! When the opponent's monster declares an attack, you can only activate it by targeting 1 attacking monster. Destroy that attacking monster. Get down, Matou Zouken!"

"It's useless. I'll activate my own effect and liberate [Emiya Kiritsugu]! This destruction will be negated!" Matou Zouken laughed loudly, obviously quite satisfied with his own results. The ability to stay on the field all the time was exactly what he wanted.

"Go without worry, Emiya Kiritsugu. I will inherit your righteous path."

Before being released, Emiya Kiritsugu saw Jiang You giving him a thumbs-up. Before leaving, he made a final struggle: "At least explain it to Illya!"

"Emiya Kiritsugu's effect: When this card goes to the Graveyard due to its effect, add a [Origin Bullet] from your deck to your hand."

Matou Zouken's smile suddenly vanished. "Doesn't the [Book of Treason] negate the effects of [Emiya Kiritsugu]?"

"Because the Book of False Minister had been destroyed when Emiya Kiritsugu left the field, not to mention that the condition for it to be invalid is that it exists on the field." Jiang You was very satisfied with this teaching game.

Matou Zouken snorted coldly, "Then [Illyasviel von Einzbern] will still be destroyed by battle!"

"Don't lose, I'm still waiting for you to summon me again. Besides, I haven't been able to beat Kiritsugu yet!" Illya smiled at Jiang You and was then overwhelmed by the swarm of insects.

Jiangyou LP3500→LP2700

"Sakura, launch a direct attack on Caster!"

Matou Sakura took out a bow and arrow from somewhere, took aim, and shot Jiang You in the chest. A barely perceptible apology flashed in her eyes.

Jiangyou LP2700→LP1500

"Okay, it's my turn now. For Sakura, I'm going to defeat you this round!"

Chapter 15: So, he became the person he hated

A golden-red light swirled around his fingertips, and as the cards were drawn out, a violent airflow swept across the entire venue.

"I activate the fake card among fake cards [Bitter Choice]!" Jiang You decisively activated his skill. This card [Bitter Choice] is usually not found in the deck no matter how you look through it, but it is destined to be the first position in the search. Such a powerful card should naturally be used if possible.

"This card can only be activated after sending three cards from your deck to the Graveyard. I've chosen [Cloak of Heaven]*2 and [Saint Jeanne d'Arc]! Come on, Matou Zouken, choose your death!" Jiang You admitted that he displayed [Saint Jeanne d'Arc] just for show; it would have been even better if he could summon it. Otherwise, he would have just used three [Cloak of Heaven] cards, and it would have made no difference what he chose.

"Saint Joan of Arc?" Matou Zouken hadn't expected Jiang You to have such a Servant in his deck. Considering Joan's reputation, he naturally wouldn't choose to add [Saint Joan of Arc] to Jiang You's hand. The Einzbern family's ceremonial attire seemed less important in comparison. "I'm choosing [Clothes of Heaven]. The only Caster associated with Joan of Arc is Bluebeard, right? Your appearance and Noble Phantasm don't match at all. Who are you?"

"Jiang You, that's what's written on the Heroic Spirit panel. As for the skin, I'd like to know too. Also, you old bug, you're such an eyesore! I'm activating the Quick-Play Spell Card [Origin Bullet] from my hand! [Matou Zouken], get down there!!"

The bullet with the concept of cutting and connecting pierced through Zouken Matou's heart. Zouken Matou was unable to activate the effect of Daipo and had to leave the field.

"It's useless. I can still return to the field next turn!" Matou Zouken looked at the [Marking Bug] on the field and felt somewhat relieved. It could at least block two attack frequencies. He just didn't know which Servant card Jiang You would give him.

"You don't think you'll have another turn, do you? Activate the effect of [City of Snow] and add [Illyasviel von Einzbern] to your hand again." Jiang You took the second basic card of Illya in his hand. "I won't repeat the effect. I Special Summon [Illyasviel von Einzbern]."

"I didn't expect to be back on stage so soon. Well done, Caster." Illya noticed the scene was exactly the same as before she left. "Same old situation, right?"

"If I hadn't run out of cards, I wouldn't have kept using you." Jiang You looked at Illya with resentment. He only had two cards that could truly be considered terminal, and Jeanne d'Arc was still in the graveyard. "I Normal Summon [Cloak of Heaven], 2 + 4 = 6. Hope, still in its infancy, is like a spark. One day, it will spread its wings and soar into the sky! Come, [Illyasviel von Einzbern [Cloak of Heaven]]!"

[Illyasviel von Einzbern [Cloak of Heaven]] Attack 2500 → 3000

Looking at the Servant Cards in the graveyard, Jiang You suddenly burst into laughter. "I suddenly thought of an interesting idea. Activate the effect of [Illyasviel von Einzbern [Cloak of Heaven]] to Special Summon [Machiri Zorgon] from the graveyard! Come on, Matou Zouken, meet your former self!"

【Machiri Zolgen】Attack Power 1800

A man with pale skin, melancholic face and blue seaweed hair appeared in the battle area. He was wearing a slim black suit and his straight body made him look unusually tall.

"What kind of magic is this?"

"Good evening, Machir Zorgen, welcome to 200 years later. This is Fuyuki, and we are currently engaged in the Fourth Holy Grail War." Jiang You gave Machir Zorgen a brief introduction to the current situation.

"The fourth time? Does that mean the Heaven's Grail ritual hasn't been completed in all this time?" Machiri Zorgen shook his head in disappointment. In his timeline, he was still collaborating with the Einzberns and the Tōsakas to complete the Heaven's Grail, but he didn't expect this to suddenly be a spoiler. "Then the person next to me is the descendant of the Winter Saint, right? What a resemblance... A duel? What an interesting Noble Phantasm. Servant, who is your opponent?"

Jiang You had been waiting for this moment. He pointed at the old bug across from him and said, "It's Matou Zouken, Makiri Zoruken-san."

"Then isn't he the founder of the Matou family?" Illya looked at the blue-haired seaweed-headed man beside her in surprise, and couldn't connect him with the old bug at all.

"Me?" Machiri Zolgen felt Zouken Matou's magic, and it was indeed very similar to his own, even matching every little detail. He then looked at his own card's effect. "Used as 'Matou'? It seems so. What on earth has happened to this disgustingly corrupt magic?"

"Why don't you ask yourself? Ask him about your own long-cherished wish." Jiang You made a "please" gesture and gave the stage to the same person with a time difference of 200 years.

"My old self?" Matou Zouken kept smiling. "What a young body! I miss it so much."

"What happened in these 200 years? I shouldn't be able to live past 200 years. How did you do this?" Machili Zolgen felt his heart beating faster and he had a premonition that he would hear some unacceptable answers.

"What happened? I've forgotten a lot of things, they're just unimportant. As for your lifespan? Wouldn't it be better to just capture ordinary people and use them as a breeding ground for insects?" Matou Zouken chuckled, as if it were a trivial matter. He figured since they were all the same, their thoughts would probably be similar, so he kindly reminded them, "It's about time you did the same. The feeling of aging isn't pleasant."

"You... do you know what you're doing?" Machili Zolgen looked at Zouken Matou in disbelief and pressed, "Have you completely forgotten me, our dedication, our long-cherished wish?"

"Because I haven't forgotten, I've been doing it all the time, haven't I?" Matou Zouken uttered those words, "Eternal life!"

"It's to eradicate all the evil in this world!"