"—In conclusion, could you help us out a bit, King?"
Shortly after, at Naoki and his companions' base.
Merry clasped her hands together, pleading with Naoki.
"Even with Morgan's help, building a super-large illusion world covering all of Fuyuki City in two days is still a bit troublesome. Plus, it needs to be strong enough to withstand your onslaught. With just two people, it's really impossible!"
"I just woke up a bit late and had lunch, and you guys already managed to cause this much trouble?"
Naoki was a bit resigned. He could only say that he'd just taken a short break, and suddenly the Holy Grail War felt like it was about to enter its final battle. It was only the fourth day of the War, typically still in the probing phase. Even though two groups had been eliminated early, the situation shouldn't…
Thinking of this, Naoki looked at the people gathered at the base—Artoria, Scáthach, Odysseus.
Out of the five remaining Servants, three were here. Due to their Masters' close relationships, they were now peacefully drinking tea and chatting. Plus, Okita Souji from Arcueid's side could be considered half a Servant under Naoki's command.
The only one left alone without support was Solomon's group!
(It really feels like it's time for the final battle.)
"King?"
"Well… I understand the situation. If it's just helping to build a barrier, no problem. But specifically, how do we do it? Set up magical formations around Fuyuki City as nodes?"
"Roughly like that. After that, connect the magical formations to me, then pull all of Fuyuki City into the illusion domain. Miss Rei should understand this well—you've done something similar."
Rei nodded, then smiled. "So, I'm needed too? If Master's fine with it, I'm fine with it."
"Then it's settled! Thank goodness, no need for constant overtime. With four people, each only needs to work six hours a day."
"Huh?"
Merry's offhand comment made Naoki, Morgan, and Rei frown.
"Wait a second, Merry, you mean… if you worked alone, it'd only take a full day?"
"Yeah, but that's too exhausting. Running around for twenty-four hours non-stop—I can't handle that."
"So, splitting it over two days means only twelve hours a day?" Morgan began to grasp Merry's intention. "You're trying to slack off?"
"No way! Don't accuse me!"
Seeing Merry avert her gaze, the group exchanged looks, took a deep breath, and simultaneously raised their fists.
*BAM!* *BAM!* *BAM!*
Three consecutive punches to the head knocked Merry down.
Casually, Naoki conjured a hemp rope and tied up the lazy succubus who was daydreaming about slacking off, binding her like a rice dumpling and hanging her from the ceiling. He clapped his hands. "Finish building the barrier tomorrow, so we have an extra day to prepare."
"Mmm, that works too."
"Protest! I protest overtime!"
"Alright, alright, Miss Merry, please face this way."
Smiling, Rei sealed Merry's mouth with clear tape the moment she turned.
"MMMPH! MMMPH! MMMPH!"
Merry wriggled like a fish stranded on the shore. It was clear she strongly objected to such physical silencing. Unfortunately, aside from the kind-hearted Gray, no one present would sympathize with her. They just watched her squirm until she was half-dead from exhaustion.
After dealing with Merry, Naoki turned his attention to the other side—
"What a mess, Touko. You've really gotten yourself into a bad state."
"You wouldn't fare much better, Aoko. If you're so bold, don't hide behind that kid."
"Let's see in two days. After all, you can only tinker with your broken puppets."
"I really don't know where you get your confidence from, you brainless single-celled creature who only knows how to use Magecraft without thinking. Mindless destroyer."
"But I can use Magecraft too. Male puppet enthusiast."
"Better than you, the cradle-robber going after my student."
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
In one corner of the room, the Aozaki sisters, as usual, began their traditional banter. Though their relationship had slightly improved back in Misaki City, ever since Aoko accidentally let slip two days ago that she had 'consumed' Naoki, their relationship had soured again.
If not for the many people present, the sisters would likely have already gone all-out in a fight.
"Not going to break it up, Master?" Rei asked. "One's your teacher, the other's your girlfriend. Choosing a side must be tough."
[Just let them fight? It'd be even better if they fought to near death.]
(Manaka, don't stir trouble.)
(Your thoughts could be more positive, my other self.)
[You guys—Hmph!]
Scolded by both at once, Manaka sulkily retreated to her dark space.
Sighing in resignation, Naoki looked at the only other man in the room besides himself. Sensing Naoki's gaze, Odysseus understood and approached Touko.
"Master, now's not the time for arguing. Unnecessary fights should be avoided. We need to rest now."
"Aoko, if you keep arguing, you'd better prepare to stay in bed all day tomorrow."
Compared to Odysseus's logical explanation of pros and cons, Naoki blatantly threatened Aoko. But Aoko knew full well that Naoki wasn't exaggerating.
Considering her physical condition, Aoko gave her sister an annoyed glance, then pulled Naoki to sit back on the sofa. "I'll let you off this time, Touko."
"Hmm? Who's letting who off?" Touko glanced at them meaningfully. "Kid, don't hold back on teaching her a lesson."
"Now's not the time for that, Sensei. More important than teasing me is the battle in two days—"
"Oh, right, speaking of two days from now."
Morgan suddenly interrupted Naoki.
"Merry didn't mention earlier, but Caster's Master had another message for us to pass on—regarding what you discussed two days ago, he wants to talk about it again during the battle in two days."