Fate/Zero:Act 1 Part 3

282:14:41

At the same time, at the far away land of the east across the sea; another person is receiving the same report by the spy in England as Kiritsugu.

Being a legitimate magus Tokiomi Tohsaka would not resort to using the new technology of the vulgar world like Kiritsugu. He is adept at using the Tohsaka family's exclusive secret technique of communicating over long distances, a jewel magic passed down through the generations.

Towering in Miyamachou of Fuyuki is the Tohsaka mansion. In Tokiomi's workshop set up below ground, an installment of experimental equipment similar to what is commonly known as the black pendulum was prepared. The difference between common physics experimental equipment and this is that this pendulum's massive bob contains a magic jewel of the Tohsaka heirloom, and it was constructed so the ink flowing down from the string can moisten the jewel.

The rock paired with the jewel of this pendulum is currently in the possession of Tohsaka's spy. If this rock was placed in front of a roller and start writing, the matching pendulum's jewel would start to undulate, the ink dripping down would write perfect and errorless text on the Rollin paper underneath. That's the type of structure it was.

Right now the jewel on the pendulum and the rock on the other side of the globe in London are undulating in sync, and through watching this strange repetitive motion without a pattern, the reporter's writing began to smoothly and accurately resurface.

Tokiomi, noticing this occurence, picked up the paper without waiting for the ink to completely dry and began browsing what was recorded on it.

"--No matter how many times I look at this setup it always make me feel like it's unreliable."

The Kotomine Kirei who's been standing guard off to the side all this time expressed unscrupulous sentiments.

"Oh, so do you think fax is more convenient?

If this method was used it would not matter even if the power was out, there won't be any breakdowns. There's also no need to worry about the report being divulged. Without need to rely on new technology, us magi have long ago possessed apparatus not inferior to modern tools today."

Even so, as Kirei sees it fax that can be used by anyone is more convinient. "Anyone" can use it, this inevitability is definitely something that Tokiomi cannot comprehend. It's perfectly reasonable that the techniques and knowledge of aristocrats and commoners are different... even in the present, Tokiomi still bears this outdated mode of thinking, he is truly a legitimate "magus".

"The newest report from the "Clock Tower". The "genius" Lord El-Melloi seems to have obtained a lost relic. If that's the case then it's confirmed that he will be participating. Hmph, this is truly a thorny opponent. So it's clear, there are now five Masters including myself..."

"It really makes me worry that there's still two positions empty until even now."

"Why, it simply means there are no suitable bearers for the Command Seals. When time is running out, the Grail will randomly fill the seven slots regardless of quality. For the sake of having enough people, there should be two small characters. There's no need to be alert."

That's really suited to Tokiomi's optimism. Having been his student for three years; Kirei now understands his master very well. Although he's very thorough in preparation, he has a habit of missing small details once in action, and taking care of these small details in his stead is probably his responsibility, Kirei has long since understood this.

"But speaking of being careful--Kirei, nobody saw you as you entered this house, right? In appearance, we're already enemies."

Completely according to Tohsaka Tokiomi's plan, the reality was twisted and announced. The Kirei who's been chosen by the Grail three years ago; according to Tokiomi's order carefully hid the insignia on his right hand, all the way up until this month before he announced the fact that the Command Seal is present on his hand. From that moment on, he severed his ties with Tokiomi as a contender for the Grail.

"No need to worry. Regardless of being able to see or not, there are no familiars or spells surveying this house. I--"

"--I guarantee that."

The voice of the third person cut in, and at the same time a black shadow appeared beside Kirei.

The heroic spirit that's been accompanying Kirei in spirit form all this time, has at this moment appeared in front of Tokiomi.

That skinny and tall shadow has a great difference in prana compared to humans. He's "something inhuman". A weirdo wearing a long black cloak and a white skull-like mask to shield his features.

Yes, he is the first heroic spirit to be summoned in the fourth Grail War, the Servant Assassin who made a contract with Kotomine Kirei--Hassan Sabaha.

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