Fuyuki City's sewer system was said to have been completed over a decade ago. In recent years, the construction of the new city center had led to further repairs and diversions, making the already numerous passages even more intricate and complex.
Upon entering the dimly lit sewer area, illuminated only by a few widely spaced wall lamps, El-Melloi II first lit a prepared lantern, its bright glow instantly dispelling a small patch of darkness.
Beside him, Aozaki Rin, whose eyes were unable to see, had no reaction to the change in light. Relying on the dozens of paper cranes floating around him, he could distinguish the surrounding terrain without any hindrance.
Controlling a few paper cranes to scout the dark sewer passage ahead, Rin summoned the Spear of Longinus and put his crow-eye mask back on. He turned his head and asked.
"Is Caster's workshop in here, Mr. El-Melloi II?"
"Yes. If the Caster summoned in this Holy Grail War is the same as the one in my memory, then his workshop is hidden deep within this area. By the way, in the Holy Grail War I experienced, the true name of the Servant who descended as Caster was Gilles de Rais, a contemporary of Saint Joan of Arc. You might be more familiar with him by the name 'Bluebeard'."
Watching the young man effortlessly control dozens of paper cranes while conversing with him, El-Melloi II couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
Forming a calculated image of the environment in his brain by relying on the spells on the paper cranes and the computational ability of his Magic Circuits? Magic Circuits of this level... is he another genius? And it seems his area of expertise is alchemy...
It could only be said that so-called "monsters" truly existed in this world. Seeing two geniuses in a row with such astounding talent made even El-Melloi II's mood turn a bit complicated.
"Gilles de Rais, the famous black magician from European history..."
Aozaki Rin nodded. After successfully designing a spell that allowed him to read text through his paper cranes, he had studied a great deal of historical material to deepen his understanding of magecraft.
However, in his impression, the name "Bluebeard" did not carry any pleasant connotations.
"In that case, let's go check it out first."
"Okay."
Since the young man was in charge, El-Melloi II did not object and led the way.
As for Ritsuka and Mash, who were supposed to be with him, they had been temporarily "detained" in the Sajou family's magic workshop as a precautionary measure by the young man.
Following his memories, he walked through the complex sewer passages. The deeper they went, the stronger the nauseating smell of rot and acid became, causing El-Melloi II to frown.
Beside and slightly behind him, Aozaki Rin, who was warily watching his movements, showed no change in expression. However, after advancing a certain distance, Rin's brow furrowed slightly.
"There's a smell of blood up ahead, Mr. El-Melloi II."
"The smell of blood? That shouldn't be right. His workshop should still be further ahead..."
A bad feeling inexplicably arose in his heart. El-Melloi II's brow furrowed in confusion.
But before he could begin to speculate on the situation, Rin suddenly stepped forward, grabbed his arm, and pulled him back, shouting urgently.
"Be careful!"
The moment the young man's words fell, a menacing shadow suddenly shot out from the previously calm sewage river, which had only been bubbling occasionally. It spat a ball of corrosive acid at the spot where the two had just been standing.
At the same time, several tough tentacles covered in strange fleshy tendrils lashed out at them like whips.
With a snap of his left fingers, countless sheets of paper flew out from the small pouches on his waist, quickly coalescing into sharp daggers that pierced the tentacles and pinned them to the wall.
Just as Rin was about to move forward and use the "paper daggers" to deliver the final blow to this strange, sudden enemy, El-Melloi II, now standing behind him, instinctively gave a command.
"These are Sea Demon familiars summoned by Caster! There should be more than one! Don't rush forward. It will be troublesome if you get surrounded. Their weak point should be in the very center, aim for that! Of course, also be mindful of their ability to conceal their presence! There are five more coming from the left and right, be careful!"
His demeanor instantly shifted from that of someone weary of life to that of a military strategist on the battlefield.
El-Melloi II systematically pointed out the weak points in the Sea Demons' attack formation. This allowed Rin, who had to be mindful of the sewer environment and couldn't use overly powerful attacks, to cut his estimated combat time from thirty seconds down to just over ten. In a few swift moves, he eliminated the entire group of Sea Demons that seemed to have been lying in ambush.
What brilliant and concise command...
His impression of El-Melloi II changed slightly. Rin was somewhat surprised and his trust in the man grew a little more.
"Why are Caster's familiars here? And judging by their movements, this group seems to be..."
Seeing that all the Sea Demons had been dealt with cleanly by Rin, El-Melloi II raised his lantern slightly, scanned the surroundings, and muttered to himself. He and Rin then finished the sentence in perfect unison.
"Protecting something." x2
The young man and the man looked at each other, the same thought flashing through both their minds.
Without exchanging words, they followed the trail of the Sea Demons' dismembered limbs and soon arrived at a hidden corner of the passage.
The smell of blood instantly became so thick it was almost tangible. The expressions on Rin's and El-Melloi II's faces changed slightly as they both noticed the few small, withered human limbs left in the corner.
"So Caster really is that guy? But, what is this? I don't remember this being here before..."
Immediately after, he discovered the magic circle drawn on the ground in a dark, blackish-red. El-Melloi II knelt down and began to examine it.
Meanwhile, Rin carefully picked up the remaining limbs, wrapped them in magical paper, and prepared to hand them over to the Church-managed cemetery after they left.
I'm sorry, this is all I can do, but...
Honestly, from the moment he joined the Holy Grail War, Rin understood that many improper methods might be used in this ritual.
But he had thought that those methods would, at most, be directed at the Masters. He never expected that someone would involve innocent, ordinary people.
Placing the wrapped limbs into the small pouch on his waist, the young man made a small decision in his heart. At the same time, El-Melloi II's confused voice sounded.
"The way this spell is drawn, it seems to be some kind of special summoning circle..."
-------
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