The sound of rain gradually faded. Izaya stared at the ceiling, lost in deep thought.
"If Manaka really wants to become the complete Beast VI at the end of days, then all six Masters—including Kayneth—will be very interested."
To be promoted to a proper Beast, a Medium is needed. And in the Holy Grail War, 'Servants' are the ultimate sacrifices.
Sajyou Manaka was originally supposed to participate in the Holy Grail War after getting married, defeat the other six Servants except her own, and feed all their souls to the Greater Grail, thus completing the Beast's ascension ritual.
Yet, even the Princess of the Root herself hadn't expected to encounter Koyanskaya at the Clock Tower.
"Let's talk about your fiancée later—anyway, I'll have to enter this Holy Grail War myself."
At that moment, Koyanskaya suddenly grabbed the man's hand, lowered her head, and gazed at him.
"You're going to Fuyuki?"
Izaya asked unconsciously.
Koyanskaya smiled vaguely.
"To fulfill my wish."
"Didn't you say you wanted to found a human protection agency? After the Holy Grail War, I'll establish the Chaldeans in your name... Of course, if you don't want to show up, I can find someone to take your place."
"Everything... Everything depends on you."
"But before that, I want more... I want to know you better—"
Even after experiencing the taste of light and darkness twice in a row, the woman with loose pink hair still seemed unsatisfied, lounging lazily on the bed and letting her soft hair scatter.
"Izaya-kun, let me feel your magecraft even more~"
Her golden eyes rippled with seductive allure... Or rather, it was outright provocation.
No one knew when it began, but their positions had reversed.
Izaya looked down at this beautiful face, and under the light, the crimson blush made her beauty seem like a dream.
A neck as white as a swan, an elegant curve stretching to her collarbone, arms slightly concealing the front, and a perfect silhouette. Those alluring peaks seemed to beckon one to climb.
Now, facing this divine beauty, memories of past repressions and humiliation surfaced... So, he decided to take the initiative, responding to her love in a more passionate, even rude way.
Shyness and anticipation were accompanied by uncontrollable sounds, as if the dormitory's soundproofing was a little lacking. Fortunately, due to the war two days ago and Kayneth's special arrangements, only Izaya lived alone on this floor.
Yet, there were still those who perceived everything happening here.
…
On the other side of Fuyuk, Manaka, rooted to the core, stood at the center of the summoning barrier, slowly raising her head. If she wished, she could gain insight into the past, present, and future.
Though Koyanskaya and Izaya's history was obscure, everything happening 'now' was within her awareness.
Lips and teeth met, intertwined, beautiful dresses and school uniforms rustled to the floor... It was as if applause erupted for her enjoyment.
The princess, who thought she could control everything connected to the Root, gazed into the distance.
All of this appeared like a vision in the mist, and Izaya's face paled. She unconsciously clenched her small hand, able only to watch, unable to intervene like an outsider.
"Shameless women..."
Her words brimmed with anger.
….
The rain had stopped, and outside the corridor, a dark twilight had fallen. The lingering sunset couldn't pierce London's thick clouds, leaving only a dark red glow on the skyline.
Izaya walked to the balcony, stared at the raindrops on the railing, and sighed deeply.
Images of his entanglement with Koyanskaya in the room earlier resurfaced.
"That woman's stamina... Should I say, truly BEAST-like?"
After secretly sighing for a moment, Izaya shook off those beautiful thoughts and recalled the news he'd heard during the day.
—The Fourth Holy Grail War.
...Am I going to Fuyuki too?
So he wondered.
At that moment—buzz.
A translucent blue curtain of light silently appeared before his eyes.
[Loading: Humanity Rescue Simulator…]
[Severe interference detected on the causal lines related to 'Beast VI'... Generating simulation mission...]
[Available in current simulation world: 1994, Fuyuki, Fourth Holy Grail War]
[In this simulation, you will be summoned as a Servant]
[After the simulation, you will be rewarded based on your performance within the operator's gathering world]
[Start simulation now?]
Summoned as a Servant?
Izaya was surprised, then quickly realized something.
Beast VI... The Beast of 666?!
Is this Manaka simulation?
Before he could react, the system's light screen already displayed 'Accept/Reject' options.
Without hesitation, Izaya chose 'Accept'.
——[Simulation, ON]——
In the next instant, the whole world turned into a storm of light.
When his vision returned, his surroundings had changed dramatically.
Gone was the rainy London dormitory—in its place, a luxurious and opulent hall.
At his feet was a 'Summoning Magic Circle' shining brilliantly.
[Simulation world loaded successfully...]
[Current time: 1994, just before the Fourth Holy Grail War]
[Location: Fuyuki City]
[Primary Mission: As Caster, respond to your Master's call and protect your Master until the end of the Holy Grail War]
Gazing at the memories before him, Izaya's heart stirred.
Speaking of which, the Holy Grail War is a game where seven Masters summon Servants to fight each other... I wonder, who is the Master who summoned me?
With this thought, he looked up unconsciously.
And instantly froze.
A woman appeared in his field of view.
Long, soft silver hair flowed naturally down to her ankles like a waterfall, her skin pale and flawless.
She wore a pure white, elegant dress adorned with gold embroidery. Rather than concealing her charm, the slightly conservative attire highlighted her noble aura, untouched by the world's fireworks.
But most striking were her eyes—clear and beautiful like rubies.
At this moment, those eyes were wide with a childlike 'curiosity' as she gazed at the man who appeared within the magic circle.
A name slowly surfaced in Sajyou's mind.
...Irisviel?!
…