Looking at the disciple before him, Tokiomi Tohsaka finally let out a long, relieved breath. The one he had worried about most was Rin. Now that this concern had vanished, all that remained was to stake everything he had in the final battle.
Even if it meant facing two opponents alone, Tokiomi still believed that the King of Heroes would bring him victory.
On the other side, Kirei Kotomine picked up a sealed envelope from the table.
His gaze then turned toward a wooden box resting on the desk, carved with strange runes—undoubtedly magical script.
"Heh… this is a personal gift from me to you. Go ahead and open it," Tokiomi said with a smile.
Kirei opened the box, revealing a beautifully ornate short sword inside.
"This is the Mercury Sword—Azoth," Tokiomi paused briefly before continuing. "It's crafted from ancestral gemstones and can be used as a Mystic Code once charged with mana… Consider it proof of your apprenticeship in the Tohsaka-style magecraft, your graduation token."
Kirei took the Azoth blade in hand and examined it closely.
"This disciple is unworthy, yet you've shown me such generosity. I do not know how to thank you, Teacher," he said.
Tokiomi waved it off. "No, I'm the one who should be thanking you, Kotomine. Now, I can face the final battle without regrets."
Kirei gently caressed the sword's surface, still observing the blade in his hand, his eyes fixated on its sharp edge.
Tokiomi checked the time and said, "It's gotten so late. I'm sorry for keeping you so long. I hope it didn't make you miss your flight."
He stood and began walking toward the door.
Kirei also rose slowly, gripping the sword tightly, staring at Tokiomi's back as a twisted smile crept across his face.
"No need to worry, Teacher."
Or perhaps it was inevitable. Was this fate? No matter the prayers, no matter the hope, was it all just to lead things to this abyss of betrayal?
Kirei began laughing—louder than ever before, almost cheerfully.
"There's no need to worry, Teacher… because I never booked a flight to begin with."
As he said this, Kirei thrust the short blade toward the unguarded back before him.
The Azoth Sword—once a symbol of love and trust—slipped between the ribs, piercing straight into Tokiomi's heart. As a seasoned executor, Kirei's strike was clean and precise. There was no killing intent, no warning. Perhaps even Tokiomi, in that moment, couldn't understand the pain in his chest.
Staggering forward, Tokiomi turned to see Kirei's smiling face—his hands soaked in blood. Yet to the very end, Tokiomi's eyes never showed comprehension. His lifeless gaze was filled only with confusion as he collapsed onto the carpet.
This magus… he must have clung to his beliefs until the very end, stubbornly convinced of his righteousness, unwilling to see the truth. Always trusting in the path he had chosen, never doubting—right up until he fell into the abyss.
"Heh… Just like my father, Teacher. Even at the end, you never understood me."
The image of his father's death flashed in Kirei's mind—the fear, the confusion, and eventually… a faint sense of joy. It was as if, all along, he had been secretly longing for that death.
Unfortunately… he hadn't killed his father with his own hands.
Golden motes of light appeared beside Tokiomi's corpse—his Servant had arrived.
Archer: The King of Heroes, Gilgamesh, stepped into the room.
"Hmph… What a disappointing end."
A contemptuous gleam shimmered in his crimson eyes. With a smirk, he nudged his former Master's body with his toe.
"I was hoping he'd at least give a dying counterattack. Look at that clueless expression. He never even realized how foolish he was."
Kirei also sneered, his face showing no respect for Tokiomi.
"He grew careless by having a Servant capable of spirit form always at his side."
Hearing the mockery, Archer burst into loud laughter.
"You've learned to jest so soon? I must admit, your progress is commendable."
"Well then, Kirei—has that resentment from not being able to kill your own father been eased a little?"
"You don't object to this arrangement, do you, King of Heroes—Gilgamesh?" Kirei asked, standing to face the golden king.
Gilgamesh offered a faint smile.
"So long as you don't bore me, that's fine. Otherwise, Kirei… the one being asked that question might be you."
Though the answer was sharp, Kirei showed no sign of wavering and nodded.
Indeed, this man was far too dangerous to entrust one's life to. A contract with him was like one with a devil. No compassion, no loyalty—not even clear mutual interest. A tyrannical and brutal Servant.
And yet—precisely because of that, he was a perfect fit for Kirei.
Those who spouted virtue and righteousness had never given Kirei the answers he sought. It was this spirit, completely detached from justice and morality, that could serve as his new target and purpose.
Kirei pulled up his sleeve, revealing the Command Seals engraved on his wrist. He chanted solemnly:
"Let thy body be under my command, and my fate be linked to thy blade.
Answer me, if thou wouldst abide by the call of the Holy Grail and the logic behind it.
From this day forth, thy devotion shall become my flesh—
I, Kotomine Kirei, am now your Master…"
At that instant, the Command Seals on Kirei's left arm glowed an ominous red.
"Now then, Kirei, let us begin. Let your schemes bring this farce to a glorious finale. As your reward, I shall grant you the Holy Grail!"
"I have no objections, King of Heroes. Please, enjoy yourself. Until I find the answer that satisfies me, I'll gladly play the fool."
Fiery red pupils brimming with joy locked eyes with somber black ones full of reflection.
---
Access more chapters at patreon.com/dzeref887