Shinji Matou At Your Service

Chapter 17: The Curtain Rises

: The Curtain Rises

Three months later, at the same time, in the same basement and with the same summoning ritual as three months ago, the only difference was the person conducting the ritual.

The position that belonged to Shinji was now occupied by Kariya. Tonight, he was solemn more than ever before. Not only did he prepare enough rune stones in advance, but he also wore the magecraft attire that he completed under Scáthach's guidance. Until the designated time arrived, he silently recited the summoning incantation.

In comparison, Shinji's attitude seems careless. He sat in the corner, bored, flipping through a newspaper absentmindedly while occasionally stealing glances at the clock on the wall.

The three hands of the clock were aligned, simultaneously pointing to the origin.

Kariya opened his eyes and, guided by the magic crest, activated the magic circuits.

...

A similar ritual preparation took place in the underground workshop of the Tohsaka residence, which also belonged to the Fuyuki Citylar ritual preparation was taking place.

"Silver iron of the earth, the contract of the stone, my ancestors, my teachers, I offer my respects to you, oh ancient ones."

"The surging wind blocks the four walls, closing the gates in all directions. Manifest from within the crown, lingering at the three-way crossroads leading to the kingdom."

Tohsaka Tokiomi chanted the incantation aloud while drawing a magic circle using melted gemstone solution instead of fresh blood.

The Tohsaka family's magecraft originated from the gemstone magecraft of the Second Magician, "The Old Man of the Jewels." The nature of this magecraft was "transmutation," which allowed the transfer of one's magical energy into gemstones, which could be retrieved at any time. It also enabled the sealing of designated magecraft within gemstones to be activated when necessary.

The advantage was that it could unleash power far beyond the limits of the magi themselves when needed.

However, the drawback is the need for preparation and expenditure. The gemstones used in gemstone magecraft were not cheap, and only those with considerable wealth could afford them.

The Tohsaka family, responsible for managing the leylines of Fuyuki City, had a considerable fortune. However, to prepare the gemstone solution necessary for this summoning ritual, Tohsaka Tokiomi still exhausted his savings. (That's why Rin ended up so poor later on.)

Two men clad in the black clerical garb were responsible for guarding the ritual.

The younger man was Tohsaka Tokiomi's disciple, one under Scáthach's surveillance, Kirei Kotomine.

Risei Kotomine, the father of the young Kirei, was a priest affiliated with the Church and served as the supervisor for the previous and current Holy Grail Wars.

The Holy Grail War had a separate system of supervisors, independent of the masters. The supervisors did not participate directly in the Holy Grail War but secretly monitored the actions of the Masters and Servants and handled the aftermath of the war, ensuring that the Holy Grail War did not affect the mundane world.

If a Master or Servant violated the rules, supervisors had the authority to temporarily change the rules and take appropriate action. Furthermore, after the war ended, any command that the master had not used would be reclaimed by the supervisors.

In theory, supervisors' positions were impartial and neutral, but since they were human, they had their motives. Risei Kotomine's motive was to utilize the rules to his advantage and ensure the victory of his ally, Tokiomi Tohsaka, in the Holy Grail War.

Risei stared unwaveringly at the Holy Relic placed on the altar, which was said to be fossilized skin shed by a serpent in the distant ancient era.

At the thought of the Heroic Spirit that could potentially be summoned through it, Risei could not help but feel a sense of fear.

Now he understands the reason for Tokiomi's confidence. As long as it was a Servant, no Servant could win against the Heroic Spirit chosen by Tokiomi.

...

At the same time, in the snowy city of Germany, the last of the Three Great Families, the Einzbern family, the artificial human lineage originating from Justeaze, had their headquarters.

A pair of young men and women examined the completion of a magic circle drawn on the floor of the chapel.

The man had a typical Eastern facial appearance, average height, and strong facial structure, belonging to the type that girls tend to like.

The woman bore a striking resemblance to Justeaze, and could easily be mistaken for her twin sister. However, compared to the aloof Justeaze, this woman's expression is much gentler.

The woman looked at a simple and rather crude summoning circle on the ground, which was somewhat surprising.

"Perhaps you'll be disappointed, but summoning a Servant doesn't require such grandiose conjuring rituals."

The man carefully inspected the pattern drawn with mercury, ensuring that there were no distortions or blemishes, as he explained.

"Because, in reality, it's not the power of the magus that summons the Servant, but the power of the Holy Grail. As the Master, my role is merely to serve as a link between the Heroic Spirit and this world and to provide them with the magical energy they need to materialize in this world."

Seemingly satisfied with the completion of the magic circle, the man stood up and glanced at the catalyst placed on the central altar, which would be used for summoning.

It was a golden base with a blue-lined scabbard emitting a faint shimmer that reflected barely visible inscriptions.

With this, the great achievement was within reach.

...

The summoning circles used by the Three Great Families varied in complexity, some intricate, and others simple, but they were all prepared within their respective workshops. The other potential Masters did not receive such favorable treatment.

In the corner of Fuyuki City, there is a clearing deep within the dense forest.

A small-bodied boy looked around cautiously, making sure that there was no one nearby. Once he confirmed the absence of others, he began preparing for a summoning ritual.

Although the boy appeared nervous, his movements were swift, indicating that he had practiced several times before.

Unlike the blood, gems, and mercury used by the Three Great Families, the boy used freshly slaughtered chicken blood. Taking advantage of the warmth of the blood before cooling, the boy began his incantation.

"Close, close, close, close, close."

This procedure was repeated five times.

"But the overflowing moment must be broken."

On that day, on different lands, incantations targeting different subjects were almost simultaneously recited. This was no longer a coincidence that could be called a mere chance.

"Proclaim."

"You, who are under me, I entrust my fate to your sword."

"In response to the Holy Grail's summoning, if you heed this will and divine order, answer me immediately."

The sensation of magical energy coursing through his entire body, the chill, and pain caused by the circulation of the circuits within his body—a sensation that no mage could escape.

But at this moment, there was only endurance, only waiting. The incantation must not be interrupted.

"I swear here. I shall be the one who eradicates evil from this world."

Compared to the others, Kariya's incantation had two additional verses; thus, he endured more pain. It was his own choice, willingly paying a price to achieve victory.

"Cloud the vision of your eyes, and let your mind go wild."

"As the master of the chains that imprison the prisoner of madness, I am the one who controls these chains."

Compared to training with his mentor, this pain was not worth mentioning.

Kariya gritted his teeth and continued the incantation.

"Enveloped by the Three Great Commandments, from the wheel of restraint, O Guardian of the Scales!"

With this phrase as the conclusion of the prayer, the magical power within each of the potential Masters reached its limit.

Next, the summoning pattern is shimmered with brilliant light.

Within that dazzling radiance, different figures manifested in the world.

Some were clear and dignified, some were bold and unrestrained, and some were imposing exquisitely.

Regarding the last one, an ominous magical power emanated from their entire being.

Thus, the curtain of the Holy Grail War were lifted.