Itogami Island .
Despite it being late at night and in the heart of winter—when cold should've wrapped the world and pierced through bones—there was no trace of chill in the air. On the contrary, the atmosphere was warm, almost stifling, clinging to the skin and weighing down every breath. Neither Akira nor Yuri felt the need for coats or blankets; a light sheen of sweat dampened their brows, as if they were in the middle of a long summer evening, not an ordinary 冬 (winter) night.
Itogami Island is unlike any other place on Earth. Its unique geographical location, built atop intersecting dragon veins that constantly supply it with spiritual energy, made it an exception to nature's rules; temperatures remain high all year round, never knowing the meaning of cold—even on the darkest winter nights. That's why it came as no surprise that it earned the nickname "The Island of Eternal Summer"—a name beloved by both locals and tourists alike, now a defining trait of this sleepless island.
Above them, thin, silky clouds drifted gently across the sky, veiling the moonlight just enough to give it a soft glow. In the distance, city lights shimmered like scattered artificial stars. The sea that surrounded the island was calm, mirroring those lights and sending out warm breezes laced with salt and moisture… breezes that carried only memories of long summers, even during a season meant to be cold.
"So, are that Master and his Servant strong?" — Yuri asked in a gentle, curious tone as she walked beside Akira with slow, steady steps. The space between them was almost nonexistent; their shoulders brushed from time to time, leaving behind a warmth that had nothing to do with the weather—but rather something else… something unspoken.
Akira didn't reply immediately. He kept his eyes forward, watching the road lit by faint streetlights drawing a golden line across the asphalt. Then, after a brief silence, he spoke in his usual calm voice:
"The Master is weak—barely able to use his Servant properly. As for the Servant… he's not worthless, but he won't stand a chance against you. He's an Assassin type, relies on ambushes and stealth, not head-on combat."
As for how Akira knew all this—it was thanks to his use of Clairvoyance, which allowed him to perceive the past, present, and future. That's why he already knew the identities of all Masters and Servants participating in this Holy Grail War.
Yuri paused for a moment, placed a hand on her hip, and looked at him from the corner of her glowing red eye beneath the streetlight:
"Hmmm… a bit disappointing, but at the same time..." — she toyed with the ends of her long black hair as the sea breeze danced through it, her voice picking up a subtle note of excitement,
"It's still a rare chance to fight a historical figure. A hero from another era. I want to see how he'll handle the difference in power."
There was a spark in her eyes—one that didn't resemble someone merely seeking a fight. She was looking for something deeper… a test, a validation, a moment she could immortalize in her memory.
Akira didn't comment. He merely cast a quick sideways glance at her before continuing on.
He had already explained to her during dinner that night about the Masters and Servants system—how the summoning works, how a Servant is tied to a heroic spirit of the past, and how their abilities vary depending on their fame and influence in history.
And it seemed Yuri had grasped the idea quickly… no, not just understood—it had captivated her.
She wasn't the type to simply observe. For her, battle wasn't just duty—it was thrill, a challenge, a hunger to prove herself.
And at that moment, as they walked along the sidewalk lined with short trees like soldiers in a ceremonial march, the sky began to shift.
Clouds thickened, the warm breeze slowed—as if the air itself was holding its breath… anticipating what was to come.
"No need to worry—you'll have your fun tonight." — Akira said in a tone laced with countless meanings, his mysterious gaze directed toward the distant sea only adding to the intrigue.
Yuri stopped for a split second, studying him as if trying to decipher the layers in his words—words spoken in a low voice yet carrying a weight akin to an unspoken promise. Akira wasn't the talkative type, and that made every word he uttered feel deliberate, each one concealing multiple secrets.
"Hmmm… are you planning something?" — she asked playfully, though her tone hinted at more than curiosity. It danced on the edge of mischief, but her eyes remained fixed on his expression, scanning for even the tiniest hint of intent.
"Not me. But it seems some old acquaintances are planning something… entertaining." — Akira replied with a faint smile tinged with nostalgia, as it had been a long time since he'd seen them. In truth, he was happy to see them again, even if they were planning a bit of chaos.
"It doesn't matter if you're planning something or not. I'll help you with whatever you need—especially if it means I get a fun fight out of it." — Yuri stared at him for a moment before flashing a bright smile.
Yuri's smile wasn't just a fleeting expression. It carried a subtle promise—a vow of loyalty, of blood, of excitement. Her gaze didn't leave Akira, as if searching for a moment of vulnerability, a glimpse of longing hidden in those few words about his "old acquaintances."
Akira didn't respond. He simply raised his eyes to the sky for a brief moment, his gaze reflecting the pale moonlight behind the thickening clouds—as if something far more profound than changing weather was brewing behind them.
"They're not just acquaintances..." — he whispered to himself.
Old faces. Voices from the past. Battles yet unresolved.
Tonight… it seemed some of them were about to be reopened.
...
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