"To put it bluntly, Shirou, you have been chosen as the Master."
"The three strokes of the command spell on the back of your hand are proof that you are the master."
Kazuko sat across from Shirou, reading a book and speaking seemingly absent-mindedly. At the same time, she stretched out her right hand and showed the back of her hand.
On the back of her hand, there were also three strokes of the command spell.
In fact, she had obtained these three command spells five years ago, and the magic power in the Great Holy Grail had gradually entered its full stage since then.
Therefore, from this aspect, Akuko is the first Master selected in the Fifth Holy Grail War.
In addition to Emiya Shirou and Akuko, there were also two mounted servants, Xiang An and Annuo, in the room.
The two mounted servants sat opposite each other, and for some reason there was always a strange atmosphere filling the space between them.
"Proof of being a Master..."
Looking at the command spell on the back of Akuko's hand, and then at the one on the back of his own hand, Emiya Shirou nodded as if he understood.
"Of course, this is not only a proof of being a master, but also a means of restraining the followers... But that's generally speaking."
"For people like my uncle and Mr. Annuo, I guess a simple command spell cannot restrain them."
Kazuko didn't know where she got the news, but in short, she just knew it.
"...So, as long as you hold the Command Seal and summon a Servant... you are considered to have participated in this Holy Grail War?"
"But what is the Holy Grail War?"
Emiya Shirou only felt that something was not right there.
"From a superficial perspective, the official name of the Holy Grail War should be the Far Eastern Magic Competition."
Akubeko still didn't raise her head, Emiya Shirou had long been used to this habit of Akubeko.
Although she seemed to be in an absent-minded stage, Akuko was actually observing everyone in front of her in detail.
The book is just a means of covering up, but if you have free time, you will indeed read it.
"But in fact, since it can be called a war, it means that it has a cruel aspect."
"The magician and the summoned servants fight until only one pair is left, and the winner is decided. This is the Holy Grail War."
"Fighting... Sister Jie, do you mean that we also have to be enemies with each other?"
Emiya Shirou was stunned for a moment, and then showed a somewhat anxious expression.
"What, are you scared?"
Akuko looked away from the book for a moment and looked at Emiya Shirou.
Emiya Shirou had never seen Akuko's expression like this before, and he couldn't help but feel a chill in his body.
"I remember that Emiya Kiritsugu taught you magic, but it seems he didn't teach you what the world of magicians is like."
"I have been preparing for this Holy Grail War for an unknown amount of time, so I must participate and win. Is there any problem?"
"...but why?"
Emiya Shirou felt a little cold, but he gritted his teeth and leaned forward.
"What can you get from fighting like this and fighting like this?"
"desire."
Facing Emiya Shirou's question, Akuko returned her gaze to the book again.
"The omnipotent wishing machine, the Holy Grail, is the prize for the winner of the Holy Grail War."
"All one's wishes can come true with the Holy Grail."
"If it weren't for such a reward, what would be worth the seven magicians fighting each other for."
There seemed to be a bit of sarcasm in Kazuko's voice.
"In fact, you feel it too."
"The blood on your clothes has not been washed away yet."
Saying that, Akubeko took a look at the bloody school uniform that was thrown in the corner of the room.
Emiya Shirou fell silent.
He did...almost get killed.
And exactly twice.
"You and I are both masters in this Holy Grail War. We are also seven players. Considering that we have known each other for a long time, I don't mind sharing some information with you."
"The one behind you is the so-called Servant. Although it is classified as a familiar, it is actually the shadow of the past hero cast from the Seat of Heroic Spirits. Servants are such existences."
"You should be familiar with the name Annuo, right?"
Anno...
"...I remember that in British legends, King Arthur's courtier and guide was known as the wall of Camelot and the strongest knight."
Emiya Shirou recalled what he learned about Anno from stories and legends.
"Well, he is one of the Seven Servants of the Holy Grail War, and he is Saber, who is known as the strongest Servant. As for the uncle...his job description is Rider, and I don't know his real name.
Presented."
"My name is Xiang An, young man."
Xiang An suddenly said this.
Emiya Shirou:???
Kazuko:......
She turned her head and looked at her uncle with a ferocious expression.
"Uncle...can you shut up while I'm talking to Shirou?"
Jiaqizi has never felt that Xiang An deserves a beating so much.
"It's just a self-introduction. Don't worry, you can continue talking."
Xiang An smiled and waved his hand.
Taking a deep breath, Kazuko calmed down her mood a little.
"In short, Shirou, you have now entered a situation where you have to fight."
"Even if you don't fight, someone will come to defeat you and kill you for the final prize. That person might be another Master, or it might be me."
"And... your current level is so weak that it's beyond imagination, so much so that even Saber Anno's condition seems to be quite average."
"A half-baked Master."
Kazuko said, picking up the tea cup next to her and taking a sip.
An Nuo stood up and gave Akuko another cup of tea.
"Okay, I'm leaving. I hope you can defeat the competition with other masters in advance and save your own life."
"In that case, I won't have to eliminate you personally."
"Uncle, let's go."
Kazuko finished another cup of tea and stood up from her seat.
She turned around, opened the door and was about to leave, but stopped at the door.
"You probably won't understand a lot of what I said. If you want to know more about the rules of the Holy Grail War, go find the regulator."
"The Regulator...?"
Emiya Shirou still had a confused expression on his face.
"Go to Fuyuki Church. I remember that person's name should be...Kotomine Kirei."
After saying that, Jie Xiaozi took Xiang An with him and left without looking back.