Looking down from the thirty-second floor of the Hyatt Hotel, the highest point in Fuyuki City, no other building—save for the nearly completed Shinto Center Tower—offered a better vantage point. This luxury penthouse had been leased days ago by a foreign guest with a grand flair, serving as a temporary base of operations for the Holy Grail War.
"—!"
The boundary fields within the workshop suddenly wailed with a sharp alarm, sensing a powerful surge of prana within detection range.
"What is happening, Kayneth?"
A woman with hair as red as flame but an aura as chilling as ice stepped out of her room, her beautiful face etched with displeasure. Sola-Ui Nuada-Re Sophia-Ri was not only the daughter of the Head of Evocation but also Kayneth's fiancée.
In the drawing room, Kayneth knit his brows, manipulating the barriers and familiars to find the source of the disturbance. Beside him stood Fionn, gripping his purple demonic spear in silent vigilance.
"Sola, why are you out?" Seeing her cold expression, Kayneth waved his hands dismissively, his voice tinged with urgency. "It's nothing, just a minor incident. I'll have it handled shortly."
"You had better," Sola huffed contemptuously, ignoring his concern and seating herself on the sofa.
Before Kayneth could say more, a blurred image was projected from his Mystic Code onto the wall. The figures of Kamitani Yuu and Iskandar were clearly visible in the hotel corridor, with a frail Waver following behind the red-haired giant like a frightened shadow.
"Those three—" Kayneth's expression soured. "It seems they come with ill intent. Are they planning to eliminate me first?"
He spoke with arrogance. Since taking over the top floor, the Lord of the Clock Tower had transformed it into a magical fortress with twenty-four layers of boundary fields, three specialized mana furnaces, and scores of vengeful spirits acting as watchdogs.
"Lancer, go to the lower floors and intercept them. But do not drive them away too easily," Kayneth commanded.
"Please, remain calm, Master." Fionn shook his head, his voice steady. "I believe they harbor no hostility; they are here to visit you. The silver-haired Master asked me to relay that he would come calling, and it seems today is the day."
Fionn offered a reliable smile. "If you are uneasy, let me go down and ascertain their intent first."
After a moment of deliberation, Kayneth made his decision. "Very well. We shall proceed with your suggestion, Lancer."
Shortly after, Fionn led the three guests back to the suite. Sola had retreated to her room after much coaxing, leaving Kayneth sitting on the sofa, sipping champagne with a stern gaze fixed on the door.
"Yo, long time no see, Kayneth."
Yuu greeted him with the familiarity of an old friend the moment he entered.
"Skip the pleasantries. We are currently enemies," Kayneth said flatly. "What is the meaning of this grand entrance, especially bringing along my 'dear' student?"
"Don't be so tense. We aren't here to fight you, but to discuss an alliance." Yuu smiled and casually took a seat opposite Kayneth. Iskandar followed suit, grabbing Waver and plopping down on a side sofa. Fionn quietly returned to Kayneth's side like a loyal knight.
"An... alliance?" Kayneth arched an eyebrow.
"Indeed."
"If it were just you, you would certainly have the status to ally with me," Kayneth said, casting a look of pure disdain at Waver, who kept his head low. "But this thief, Mr. Velvet, is another matter entirely."
Waver flinched, burying his head even deeper.
"Hey now, boy, this isn't the person I saw earlier," Iskandar grumbled, looking at his Master with disappointment. "As my Master, you must face your past mistakes. To shoulder them and change—that is what a true warrior does!"
Encouraged by Rider's words, Waver bit his lip and stood up abruptly, bowing deeply toward Kayneth.
"I am truly sorry... Professor Kayneth! I shouldn't have stolen your catalyst, and I shouldn't have harbored such misunderstanding and resentment toward you. This was all my fault. Please, forgive me!"
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There's a few advance chapters on my P@treon
Usually upload 2 Chapters a day in there, except Saturday and Sunday
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