Those time travelers that year

Magic of the Age of Gods: A++

Unlike modern magic, this is a special kind of magic taught to Medea by Hecate, the goddess of magic, during the mythological era. It possesses an overwhelming advantage over ordinary magic of the same level. Only magic belonging to the same divine era or of the same level is immune to its restraint and suppression; it can be considered a one-level reduction in magic resistance. Its scope is extremely broad. Although she hasn't learned magic and is therefore still considered a "magician," her abilities even surpass those of the strongest modern magicians, exceeding even the title of "wielder of magic."

[Possessing a Noble Phantasm]

All symbols will inevitably break the rules (Rule Breaker)

Grade: C

Type: Anti-Magic Noble Phantasm

Attack range: 1

Maximum capture: 1 people

This Noble Phantasm possesses abilities distinctly different from those wielded by other Servants. While its weapon performance is essentially nonexistent, it can "break" all magical conventions of any target struck by its blade. Targets that can be broken are contracts based on magical power, or life forms born from magical power. It can reset them to their state before the magical power was used. In other words, contracts based on magical power become worthless, and life forms born from magical power are instantly destroyed. Therefore, although its uses are quite limited, it is extremely effective in the Holy Grail War, which employs the Servant system. It is the ultimate anti-magic Noble Phantasm, but as with all Noble Phantasms, it is ineffective regardless of its level. This magical weapon is the manifestation of the nature of the Demon of Betrayal.

Titan Ointment

Grade: B+

Type: Anti-Personnel Noble Phantasm

Maximum capture: 1 people

This is a special elixir given to Jason by Medea to help him complete the Golden Fleece quest. It permanently grants a person immense strength, allowing them to move back nine oxen at once, and magical resistance to water and fire. This Noble Phantasm can only be used if Caster possesses the skills of Item Crafting and Divine Magic. Using Item Crafting alone will also allow the use of this Noble Phantasm, but the effect will be considered B-.

Aethesian Bronze Bull

Grade: B++

These two bronze bulls are mythical creatures from which Jason planted dragon teeth. If combined with the Noble Phantasms Dragon Fang and Glais Iron Plow, and driven by a powerful individual capable of cultivating the dragon teeth, they will unleash tremendous power. Alternatively, the two Eeetes Bronze Bulls can be summoned individually, also considered mythical creatures.

Grice Iron Plow

Grade: C+

This is the legendary special chariot that Jason used to plant dragon teeth. It can only be used when ridden by the Bronze Bull of Eeetes. It can be used as a special war chariot and a special enhancement artifact for planting dragon teeth.

Poison Dragon Fang

Grade: B+

With special mediums and materials, combined with Medea's Dragon Tooth Soldier Summoning Technique, elite Dragon Tooth Soldier familiars can be summoned. If combined with the Eeetes Bronze Bull, the Glais Iron Plow, and special mediums, the legendary and powerful Dragon Tooth Soldiers will be summoned.

Flying Dragon Cloud Chariot

Grade: C

Since there is no Rider class, this Noble Phantasm can only be used as a special pilot Noble Phantasm.

Vulcan Golden Crown

Grade: B++

Type: Anti-Personnel Noble Phantasm

Maximum catch: 1 people

Medea's Noble Phantasm, given to her after killing her rival, is cursed and cannot be removed by anyone who wears it unless Medea herself removes the curse, and their body and soul will suffer endless flames. However, when Medea herself wears this Noble Phantasm, it greatly amplifies the power of fire magic and reduces the magical energy consumption of her own spells.

Bloodthirsty Robe

Grade: A

Type: Anti-Personnel Noble Phantasm

Maximum catch: 1 people

Medea's Noble Phantasm, used to kill her rival, would drain the life force of anyone who wore it unless Medea herself lifted the curse. When Medea wore this Noble Phantasm, she would absorb the power released when surrounding beings died, replenishing her own losses, and would also possess considerable resistance to magic and defensive spells.

The Jar of Youth

Grade: A++

Type: Anti-Personnel Noble Phantasm

Maximum catch: 1 people

This is another of Medea's famous Noble Phantasms, second only to the Golden Fleece. It is said to have excellent healing effects; even those who have been decapitated or chopped into pieces can be restored as long as they retain a head and some major limbs, in conjunction with Medea's special potions and healing techniques. Using this Noble Phantasm can also reverse aging, but it does not increase lifespan.

55. The Eve of the Holy Grail (1)

This is an open-air platform atop a skyscraper. From this vantage point hundreds of meters above, the entire city of Fuyuki is laid out before you. It is a marvel of industrial civilization and a testament to the advancements in architectural technology. In the original world, even the tallest buildings were only a few dozen meters high, a mere dwarf compared to the skyscrapers that often reach hundreds of meters in modern society.

Even in a small city like Fuyuki, which isn't an international metropolis, this is still an architectural marvel only achievable in the late 20th century. On the rooftop, in the center of a wide platform, stands a rectangular table laden with exquisite food. Opposite the table are two chairs, each occupied by a person.

One of them is a Servant who descended, and the other is a participant in the Holy Grail War.

“I never imagined that ordinary humans could develop such an astonishing civilization after abandoning magic…” Caster glanced around at the scenery. “Sitting here feels like being on Mount Olympus, looking down on humanity like a god…”

"Whether it's science or magic, they're essentially the same," Charles said, looking at Caster sitting across the table. "At least in this era, those ordinary people whom magicians look down upon have already begun to venture into space. Times are progressing, and those who cannot keep up with the times are the ones who are eliminated."

"Does Master mean that the path of demonic cultivation is destined to become obsolete?"

"No, believe me. If magicians could integrate with real society, they could probably drive civilization forward even more. However, choosing to divide the two classes because of the so-called mysterious loss seems foolish to me. It's like asking if fire magic would disappear after humans invented the lighter. If one day human technology allows for space travel or even observing parallel worlds, would related magic really disappear?..." Charles shrugged. "...But that's none of our business. What we need to worry about is how to survive a war and become the sole winner."

"But according to the enemy intelligence you just gave me, Master, it seems our chances of winning are slim!"

“That’s why I chose you, Caster!” Ciel said. “…Plan before you act. Only those who make it to the end are the victors. The more outstanding you are in this war, the more likely you are to be wiped out by the other groups working together, unless you have the strength to take on seven opponents at once, but do you think that’s possible?”

“It’s impossible, not even the ancient Babylonian king you told me about, Master. After all, we are just Heroic Spirits.” Caster sighed. “If we become common enemies, even that one person cannot defeat everyone.”

“But the so-called allies in this war have been a joke from the very beginning,” Ciel said. “Therefore, we don’t need to worry about the oldest king. Because of the grudge between his master and someone, Berserker is destined to fight Archer. Similarly, the grudges between Berserker and Saber in their previous lives also destined Berserker and Saber to clash.”

"Also, Archer and Assassin are on the same side. But so-called assassins never have a good end; they either die at the hands of others or become discarded pawns."

“Master, I have a question.” Caster suddenly asked, “Are you sure that the information you’ve obtained is correct…? I’m not doubting it, but it’s far too detailed.”

"Seventy percent! The remaining thirty percent depends on luck. Anyway, it won't be long before we can verify it, right?" Ciel replied. "The Holy Grail War has already begun after all the Servants have descended. During the day, no one would choose to fight at this time to avoid being exposed to ordinary people. But tonight, the first tentative battle will begin."

"However, since we're at a significant disadvantage on the front lines, we'll try to observe from the sidelines for the first few battles," Charles said. "Later, we'll secretly head to the ley line intersection in Fuyuki City. I'll give the address to your Caster..."

“I understand, Master!” Caster nodded. “I will build the position as quickly as possible.”

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Medea. Prepare the position as soon as possible. Our advantage lies in the creation and concealment of magical artifacts. Get the complete Dragon Fang Soldiers into formation as quickly as possible. Although they're not very useful against Servants, they're more than enough to surround and kill Masters!"

"As you wish, Master..."

——————————Divider Line——————————

On the first morning, no fighting broke out. Neither the original participants nor any uninvited guests chose to become targets on the first day. However, war was inevitable. After sunset on the first day, through someone's deliberate manipulation, the number of pedestrians in Fuyuki City decreased throughout the night. Thanks to the previous serial killer's rampage, the residents of Fuyuki City were generally in a state of panic, which provided a perfect opportunity for the parties about to go to war.

At this moment, a battle was about to unfold. Of course, in the eyes of other participants, this battle might be an important intelligence-gathering opportunity. But in Charles's view, it was nothing short of a joke.

"Master, the joke you told us has already begun." Just as Ciel was nestled on the sofa, reading the occult knowledge that Caster had transcribed from memory, Caster, who should have already gone to Ryutoji Temple, silently appeared behind Ciel.

"Spatial teleportation, what a convenient ability!" Charles exclaimed upon seeing this.

“No, Master… Your power, in terms of both quality and quantity, is no weaker than that of us Servants. You just lack some systematic learning…” Caster smiled slightly, his face hidden under his hood, and continued, “As you instructed, the familiars that were sent out have noticed the anomalies around the Tohsaka residence… One of them discovered the traces of Assassin and his Master… as if they deliberately let us discover them.”

“It was intentional anyway, never mind…” Setting the book aside, Charles leaned back on the sofa. “Then let’s enjoy the performance of a certain ancient Babylonian king.”

“A theatrical performance…” Caster said sarcastically, “But, if Master is interested, then so be it.” After Caster finished speaking, without any visible movement, ripples appeared in the air in front of Ciel, and then a mirror-like image appeared in mid-air, reflecting a dark forest and a blank figure standing at the edge of the forest.

…………

……

...

.

Looking down at the brightly lit scene below, Kirei Kotomine maintained his unchanged expression, for he had never been able to feel or understand desire and pursuit. But now, none of that mattered to him.

"The Holy Church has informed me," Kirei Kotomine suddenly said. "All the Servants have arrived..."

“Now that all the Servants have been summoned.” Behind him, a dark shadow appeared. A person dressed in a black bodysuit and wearing a white bone-like mask, or rather, a Servant—Assassin—emerged behind him, then, like a wisp of shadow, silently swept past him…

"So that means..." Assassin's voice echoed in the air.

"That's how it is," Kirei Kotomine said without turning his head. "Please go to Tokiomi Tohsaka's house."

"What does it mean?"

"If it were you, you probably wouldn't care about Tokiomi Tohsaka and those fortress-like magical barriers."

"Hehehe... Is this alright?" Assassin chuckled softly. "I heard that Tokiomi Tohsaka and you are allies."

"Don't worry about it," Kirei Kotomine said coldly. "Even if we go to war with Archer, there's nothing to be afraid of."

"Since you say that the three Archers, who are at the level of knights, are 'nothing to be afraid of'..."

"It's up to you now. Kill... Tokiomi Tohsaka immediately."

56. The Eve of the Holy Grail (2)

Assassin transformed into a black shadow, speeding down the mountain towards a massive villa below. There was no sound; not even his footsteps on the grass or tree trunks made a sound. He was like a peerless master of lightness and agility, leaping across rooftops and moving silently through the night… In truth, as an excellent assassin, Assassin wasn't particularly strong on the front lines, but in stealth, reconnaissance, and assassination, he possessed advantages unmatched by other Servants.

Assassin ran down the mountain, and when he reached the edge of the cliff, he took a slight step, spread his arms, and leaped off. In that moment, Altaïr, Ezio, Edward, Connor, Arno… all embodied him. He wasn't alone. Assassin inherited the excellent tradition of leaping from cliffs from previous assassins; he jumped, jumped. Like an eagle about to soar, the sound of his fall was like a clear eagle's cry. He wasn't alone, he wasn't alone…

Let us remember the oath of the assassins, and in this great moment, let us remember the sacred creed that nothing is true, everything is permitted… (Author's note: Narrator, stop! You've got the wrong lines.)

Let us remember those master assassins... Ah... cough cough cough... Sorry, I mispronounced a line...

……

Assassin leaps off the cliff, and somehow finds himself holding several pebbles lying around. These are just ordinary stones on the ground, but in Assassin's hands, they transform into deadly weapons.

While still in mid-air, Assassin had already scanned the villa's garden below, memorizing the terrain. Then, Assassin's thumb gripped a pebble, and he flicked it. With a whoosh, the pebble shot out, heading towards a pedestal below the garden.

With a soft "biu," a semi-transparent light screen appeared, trembled, and then vanished. On the pedestal in the garden, a red gem shattered into pieces.

As a base for magicians, each magician uses various barriers and spells to transform the entire building into a fortress. The barrier that Assassin just pierced with a seemingly random pebble is perfectly capable of withstanding modern heavy machine gun fire. Even high-explosive grenades might not be able to penetrate this seemingly thin barrier. It's fair to say that what's encased here is an invisible steel wall.

But these stones, casually thrown by Assassin, were utterly useless, easily piercing through. Even with his inherent throwing skills enhanced after becoming a Heroic Spirit, this was still incredibly exaggerated. In martial arts, masterful use of hidden weapons can injure with even the smallest things, and Assassin, as an assassin, is undoubtedly a top-tier master in this area. This is the nature of Heroic Spirits; even with Assassin's average strength ranking near the bottom among the seven Servants, mages are as fragile as paper before him.

Several pebbles were launched by Assassin while he was still in mid-air, and the first layer of the barrier in the garden outside the villa was easily destroyed without any effect. At this moment, Assassin fell from the sky and landed in a flower bed.

Emerging from the flowerbed, Assassin flicked his finger, sending another pebble flying that struck a barrier. The barrier's automatic defenses activated, turning the pebble to ash. But in Assassin's eyes, the barrier revealed its true form in that instant, and he took in its transformation. As if no one else was around, Assassin silently moved forward, his movements nimbly avoiding any probes that could trigger the barrier, while his pebble-like projectiles pierced through points of magical energy.

Finally, when Assassin stopped, the barrier had vanished. Before him lay the final foundation of the villa's outer defenses; if this were destroyed, the Tokiomi Tohsaka family's defensive system would collapse.

"Pathetic." Assassin, his expression hidden beneath the white mask, looked at the barriers with disdain. In his eyes, even barriers erected by a first-rate magician were weak and full of flaws. He then reached out his left hand and grabbed at the red gem on the base.