In the profound darkness of the deep underground, "it" was lost in the abyss, dreaming in its slumber of countless, chaotic, and unrealistic wishes entrusted to it long ago.
A beautiful world, a beautiful life, a flawless soul… the intensity of this desire necessitated the consignment of all other evils to a single place—the wish of the weak.
By answering those wishes, "it" had once saved a world. There was no evil but me, no flaw but me; only I was worthy of hatred, only I was worthy of disgust.
By saving the world in that way, it brought them peace.
Therefore… "it" was not a savior. There was no praise, no reverence, no songs of praise, only scorn, only curses, only contempt.
At some point, even its human name was lost, leaving only its "mode of existence," eventually becoming a legendary concept.
The endless darkness sighing in the deepest depths… once a place of infinite possibilities. One day,it entered as a seed and took root.
From that day, it became a vessel nurturing a darkness belonging to nothing, absorbing endless magical energy while awaiting its destined day.
Then, it heard—clearly heard—
Someone calling out: "It's alright if I bear all the evil in this world. If that can save the world, I'll bear all the evil!"
See, someone is calling, someone needs me. I, along with blessings, am called upon. Then… answer him, accept him, let all the evil in this world…
Endless magical energy surged, the all-encompassing darkness taking shape.
I can fulfill your wish. "It" said.
Then…
"Let all the evil in this world fulfill your wish."
Kiritsugu Emiya awoke from his sleep, the wound from the sword still throbbing. Though well-bandaged, blood seeped through the gauze.
Sword of Promised Victory was no ordinary weapon; it was an incredibly powerful holy sword, perfectly countering the magic Kiritsugu practiced. For a normal human like Kiritsugu, not being killed outright was fortunate.
Ah… yes, Saber betrayed me, so I must fight alone. I'll use this broken body; the cost doesn't matter. I must win this Grail War, obtain the Grail!
"Kiritsugu, you're awake?!"
The noise in the room woke Kuzuki Mai, who entered, concerned, watching Kiritsugu struggle to sit up.
"I'm fine. This small wound is nothing; Matou magic isn't for show. It's just a sword wound; even if this body were torn apart, it wouldn't matter."
Kuzuki Mai clenched her fist at Kiritsugu's calm gaze. She wanted to say something but remained silent.
"I have no way back, Maiya. I must continue… until the end of hell."
Rising from the bed, Kiritsugu lit a cigarette, put on his black coat, and prepared to leave.
Maiya approached from behind and hugged him tightly.
"It doesn't matter. Even hell, if it's with you, I'll go with you!"
Kiritsugu said nothing to Maiya's heartfelt confession. He simply took a drag from his cigarette, gently pushed her away, and continued on.
Maiya said nothing more, following without complaint.
From the moment Kiritsugu found her, she had lived for him.
Kiritsugu was unaware that Rider had been eliminated the previous night, but Tokiomi Tohsaka, well-informed, felt certain of victory.
The most threatening Servant, Rider, was gone; his goal was closer…
Tokiomi mused, surprised that his final opponent was the Einzbern participant, the man who had adopted his daughter.
And he had Saber's help. Although Saber and Rider had fought to a standstill, she remained a formidable enemy.
However, Tokiomi believed that he, possessing the Heroic Spirit King as his trump card, would undoubtedly win.
It was time for his student, Kirei Kotomine, to leave Japan and distance himself from the Grail War's turmoil. Having lost his Servant, Kirei's presence or absence was inconsequential to Tokiomi.
In the Tohsaka mansion, Tokiomi was having a final meeting with his trusted disciple.
"As you prepare to leave, I feel a pang of regret. I hope you'll continue your father Risei's legacy and help the Tohsaka family achieve its goals…" Tokiomi said.
"I've caused you so much trouble at the end, Master. I'm truly ashamed." Kirei looked up, seeing sincerity in Tokiomi's eyes, and felt ashamed.
"Though I'm saddened and regretful, withdraw from this war, Kirei." Tokiomi said.
"Understood, Master." Kirei replied.
Tokiomi nodded in satisfaction.
"You're trustworthy. I want my daughter to learn from you. After this Grail War, Kirei, you'll be Rin's tutor."
Tokiomi then handed Kirei a letter from the corner of the table.
"…Master, what is this?"
"A simple letter, but it's something like a will."
Tokiomi said this with a wry smile.
"A slim chance, but it's possible. If something happens to me, this letter designates Rin as the head of the Tohsaka family, and you as her guardian until she comes of age. Just give this letter to the Clock Tower; the Association will handle the rest."
This time, Kirei didn't just offer lip service; he genuinely accepted the responsibility. As a priest, honestly and faithfully fulfilling entrusted responsibilities was his duty.
"I accept. Though my abilities are limited, I will do my utmost to care for your daughter."
"Thank you, Kirei."
Too many unexpected events had occurred; his plans were no longer fully controllable. But Tokiomi Tohsaka still wanted to fight. He entrusted everything to his most trusted disciple.
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