"Medea's luck seems to have run out. Despite Jason's Argo deck being packed with powerful cards, she never had the chance to showcase them. In any case, let's congratulate Shinji Matou on securing another victory! Once again, a mortal has triumphed over myth!"
Shinji Matou's fans erupted in cheers. His ability to reach the finals without relying on overwhelmingly powerful cards had earned him widespread admiration. Even if he lost this match, they would continue to cheer for him.
Of course, there were dissenting voices. Another faction believed that duels should be honorable clashes of personal legends and experiences, not constant manipulation of opponents' cards. For now, the two sides remained locked in a verbal battle, but it seemed only a matter of time before their conflict escalated to physical violence.
"So, this is the true purpose of Caster's Noble Phantasm," Archer said to Rin Tohsaka, pointing to the two groups of spectators locked in heated debate. Some were already red-faced and shouting.
"Conflicts erupt over mere differences in opinion. If they escalate to violence, innocent bystanders will inevitably be harmed. Caster's Noble Phantasm, by maintaining its influence for an extended period, can transform uncontrollable brawls into structured duels, significantly reducing the potential for harm."
Rin Tohsaka imagined the scene: people drawing cards to duel at the slightest provocation, casually summoning hordes of ancestors, relatives, and friends for tense and exhilarating battles.
"How do I put this... it just doesn't feel like something that belongs in this world."
If she could, Rin would have preferred to continue researching magic, but the situation was beyond her control.
"I think I understand the Clock Tower's interest now. Caster—Jiang You's Noble Phantasm—bears a striking resemblance to the Second and Third Magics. Plus, he can conjure Soul Crystals. I suspect he's a Heroic Spirit from the future, just like you, which explains why there are no records of him in texts or legends."
"That's possible," Archer nodded. The Throne of Heroes transcends time, housing Heroic Spirits from across history and beyond.
"No wonder the Clock Tower is so concerned about someone who can wield two of the Great Magics simultaneously."
Rin felt a sense of impending doom. She had a premonition that the world was on the cusp of a cataclysmic transformation.
"Doesn't that give us even more reason to help him?" Archer's determination seemed renewed.
"You still insist you're not a Hero of Justice? You're starting to sound more and more like one these days, with your head full of saving the world."
Rin Tohsaka rolled her eyes, not wanting to dwell on such grand ideas. "Honestly, I'm so embarrassed I feel like destroying the world. I swore I'd win the championship, and now both Jason and I are eliminated."
Medea returned to Jiang You's side, her face dark with displeasure. "Is your Noble Phantasm specifically targeting me?"
She kicked Jason for good measure. Jason, unfairly blamed, dramatically cried out in pain and writhed on the ground, only to be subjected to even crueler treatment by Medea.
Jiang You had no intention of letting Jason die here; he still hoped to draw some useful cards. He interjected to defend Jason, "You're never going to draw a key card acting like that."
"The bond between the Deck's holder and the cards... it's tied to the Servant's affinity."
This was how it worked in the anime, though such a mechanic didn't exist in the official game. Still, Jiang You suspected the collaboration event might incorporate it.
"Considering your relationship with Jason... it's a miracle your draws aren't completely bricked."
In the actual game, Players playing Blue Eyes White Dragon decks often suffered from disastrous starting hands, drawing nothing but high-level monsters and leaving them completely stuck. It was practically a miracle that Medea had managed to exchange blows with Shinji Matou.
"So, my late husband harbors resentment towards me?" Medea picked up on the underlying meaning and flashed a disturbingly manic grin. "It seems he requires further... re-education."
This time, Jason's screams were truly heart-wrenching. Serenity, who was on guard duty, curiously poked her head in to investigate before quickly retreating, utterly bewildered by this twisted relationship.
Jiang You covered his face, terrified by Medea's petty vindictiveness. If this continued, Jason would surely die. He desperately tried to divert her attention. "Medea, do you remember the list of materials you gave me earlier?"
"Of course I remember. But how did you find the time to gather them? Weren't you supposed to be supervising things here?" Medea's tone carried a hint of resentment; she was the one doing all the actual work. "Or did you secretly slip away to other worlds while I was distracted and collect them for me?"
If I said yes, that might boost her affection points, Jiang You thought, glancing at Jason. But he quickly abandoned the tempting idea.
"Not exactly," Jiang You admitted. "The Clock Tower is trying to curry favor with me. Your spell materials were easy for them to gather, and they've already been delivered to the designated location. If you're free now, you can go pick them up. The address is..."
"If I'd known, I would have asked for more valuable materials," Medea grumbled, accepting the address from Jiang You, her expression clearly pleased despite her half-hearted complaint. "Honestly, I lowered my expectations because I was worried you wouldn't be able to gather everything."
"Well, I appreciate the thought. Jason, you can..." Medea noticed the charred human-shaped figure on the ground and realized Jason was in no condition to do any work.
"Never mind, I'll go myself. Master, if that thing bothers you, just toss it out. These pests are surprisingly resilient."
Jiang You retrieved a crimson healing Magic Potion recently crafted by Medea from his inventory. Its deep red color resembled a life potion from an RPG game. Medea had prepared it as a precaution, though Jiang You doubted they'd need it during this collaboration. He had secretly tasted it earlier—it tasted like strawberries.
As it turned out, the Magic Potion still came in handy.
Jiang You poured the potion over the charred remains on the ground.
"Just try to be a little more honest with her, okay? See, you've made her angry again."
"That's not it," Jason croaked, tears streaming down his face. "It's all your fault for telling her that."
Despite Jiang You's awkward attempt to smooth things over, Jason was genuinely grateful. Jiang You's inbox lit up with a notification: a reward for increased favorability with Jason.
"Anyway, just hang in there and keep fighting." Jiang You forced several more bottles of Magic Potion down Jason's throat. The potions from Medea's Workshop were remarkably effective, though likely inferior to those of a certain god of medicine. Impressed by their potency, Jiang You considered asking Medea to produce Love Elixirs. They might even serve as excellent favorability items.
"Easy for you to say," Jason muttered, his voice thick with despair. "How much longer must we endure this nightmare?"
Jiang You gazed skyward. "Wait patiently... and never lose hope!"