While in Kuoh, the meeting between Daniel, Sona, and Rin progressed with controlled tensions and tentative agreements, on the other side of the world, in one of the planet's oldest and most arrogant magical structures, the Clock Tower, a meeting of historic proportions was being prepared.
The atmosphere inside the main hall was dense. The Four Great Satans of the Underworld walked through the magical marble hallways with firm steps, led by Serafall Leviathan, whose normally playful eyes were tinged with icy determination.
Marching beside her were:
Sirzechs Lucifer, the demon king best known for his kind and peaceful nature, now with a severe aura, carrying a folder sealed with magical runes: a compendium of sensitive information about previous Holy Grail Wars.
Ajuka Beelzebub, the genius among the Satans, walked with a neutral expression, but his eyes analyzed every corner of the Tower as if already calculating 300 war and peace scenarios.
Falbium Asmodeus, the lazy military general, whose power was such that he didn't even need to project authority for everyone in the room to know that a single word from him could unleash a global tragedy.
The four entered the meeting room, where representatives from the magical families of the Mage's Association were already waiting. The leader, a woman of imposing appearance, adorned in ritual robes and an ornamented staff, rose from her seat.
—Welcome, Maou-sama. It is an honor for the Clock Tower to rece—
—Skip the formalities —Serafall interrupted in an icy tone, so different from her devil idol fame—. We have come for answers, not for empty courtesies.
The woman blinked, confused by the change in tone. Serafall raised a magical folder and placed it on the table. It unfolded by itself, showing diagrams, energy records, transcripts of forbidden spells, and maps of convergent energy. All pointing to a single fact:
—The Holy Grail War has been activated without authorization in territory controlled by devils —Serafall said bluntly—. And according to our investigations, the participants belong to magical clans affiliated with this organization.
A murmur ran through the room.
Sirzechs took a step forward.
—We have confirmed at least five Servants summoned, multiple conflicts between Masters, and most gravely, the use of an artifact capable of distorting reality and altering the natural order of souls. All without approval or consultation with supernatural authorities.
Ajuka stood up with a serene, but dangerous voice.
—And beyond that... we have reason to believe that the dispatched supervisor, Rin Tohsaka, was left completely uninformed. Which leads us to understand this was intentional.
Falbium crossed his arms, exhaling with a certain laziness.
—Was it an oversight? A political betrayal? Or did you perhaps think the devils wouldn't act? —he asked, letting the magical echo amplify his voice through the chamber.
The Clock Tower representative tried to compose herself.
—This... is grave, of course. But there are protocols. The Grail War has been part of our ancestral history. We believed—
—You believed wrong! —Serafall interrupted, with a presence so intense the entire room seemed to tremble.
She rose from her chair and slammed the table forcefully, causing a magical wave that left several of the present mages paralyzed.
—Your decisions endangered human civilians, exposed magical secrets in a city under our sovereignty, and involved creatures from other dimensions. If this had exploded... the diplomatic consequences would be disastrous.
Sirzechs slowly closed his folder.
—We came as a courtesy. But make no mistake: we have the authority and power to shut down this organization if we deem it necessary for the balance between factions.
Ajuka finally smiled, though with no trace of humor.
—Not to mention your own internal rules were violated. Unauthorized participants, deficient supervision, manipulation of command seals, and worse yet, the reappearance of the base of a corrupt Grail.
The woman staggered a little upon hearing that last part.
—Wh... what do you want from us? —she asked, finally lowering her head.
Serafall crossed her arms.
—A complete record of all families involved. We want to know who designed this ritual, who was informed, who wasn't, and why. You will also cooperate with our infernal supervisors, who will be granted diplomatic freedom to thoroughly investigate every corner of this tower.
Falbium let out a dry laugh.
—And if you lie to us... —he left the sentence hanging, but the silence was more threatening than any words.
Finally, Serafall closed the folder, satisfied.
—Lastly, this entire war will be contained and monitored by us, and its outcome will not be recognized by the Underworld as valid under any circumstances.
The mages could not oppose. Not when four Satans were present... and when they knew that if they tried, the Clock Tower would not see another sunrise.
After his meeting with Sona Shitori and Tohsaka Rin, Daniel walked calmly along the path that would lead him back home. The air still had that morning freshness mixed with the temperate noon breeze, and for a moment, Daniel felt there was finally some balance amid the chaos that was the Holy Grail War.
"At least now Rin understands the terrain she's playing on..." he thought, remembering how Sona began meticulously explaining everything related to supernatural races, peace treaties, interdimensional politics, and the rules the Underworld imposed to prevent conflicts like the one they now faced.
Sona had given him the option to leave after seeing Daniel was already versed in all those topics, and he, grateful for the consideration and knowing he could trust her, accepted to leave so as not to hinder the lesson with his unnecessary presence.
However, the tranquility didn't last long.
Just as he had crossed the last stretch separating the school district from the neighborhood where he lived, the atmosphere changed.
A gust of fetid wind filtered through the cracks of reality, followed by an almost imperceptible hum... until it became overwhelming.
—...What the hell? —Daniel whispered as his instincts screamed "It's an ambush!"
From the shadows, cracks in the pavement, sewers, and tree trunks, a horde of black insects, the size of rats, emerged in waves, loaded with corrupt magical energy.
They were being controlled!
Daniel's Observation Haki reacted violently. He sensed the presence of an entity behind the swarm, distant but unmistakable: ancient malice, twisted, and dehumanized.
—Zouken Matou... —he murmured with a murderous glint in his eyes—. So it was you, you wretched old man...
At that moment, an ethereal breeze brought with it a familiar figure.
—Daniel-sama! —exclaimed Tamamo-no-Mae, materializing at his side in a flash of bluish light. Her expression, usually coquettish and playful, was now serious, her ears trembling from the tension.
—These insects have traces of magic that smells like... rotting flesh! They are familiars. Someone is controlling them from a distance!
Daniel clenched his fist and activated his Boosted Gear, his arm covering itself in red and green scales as Ddraig spoke in his mind.
> "Boost! ...Boost! ...Boost!"
—Perfect, I haven't had a warm-up today. Tamamo, stay close. We don't know if this is just a distraction —he ordered coldly.
Tamamo nodded and positioned herself at his back. With a quick hand gesture, she conjured a spiritual fire barrier to contain the swarm's spread while Daniel stepped forward.
The insects didn't wait.
Like a living black wave, they lunged at him, intent on devouring him completely.
But Daniel was ready.
With surgical precision, he began eliminating them by the dozens with each strike. His Sacred Gear shone with power: each Boost increased his physical strength to superhuman levels, and his Observation Haki allowed him to read the trajectory of attacks, dodging by millimeters and counterattacking with surgical precision.
—Boost! ...Boost! ...Boost!
—Now, Tamamo! Purify the area!
Tamamo chanted an ancient incantation in an ancestral language. An enormous blue flame in the shape of a fox descended from the sky and enveloped the remaining insects, incinerating them in a sacred roar.
What remained was a charred field... and a thick silence.
Daniel slowly lowered his arm. His breathing was somewhat labored, but not exhausted.
—This wasn't a random attack. They were testing me... or sending a message —he said seriously.
Tamamo nodded, worried.
—That energy... wasn't improvised. It was ritual magic... and it bears the signature of Zouken Matou.
Daniel frowned. He fell silent for a few seconds, contemplating the horizon.
—Defending myself isn't enough anymore... If that old man thinks he can use me as a chess piece, he's sorely mistaken.
He looked at Tamamo, who returned his gaze solemnly.
—I'm going to find him... and I'm going to eradicate him. I don't care if he's in the shadows. I'm no longer interested in his history, his family, or his tradition. This war... will be his end.
Having incinerated the last of the controlled insects, Daniel stood in the middle of the scorched field, the breeze gently ruffling his clothes as he slowly lowered his arm still enveloped in the residual energy of his Boosted Gear. The threat had been neutralized, but the tension in his chest hadn't fully dissipated.
—This wasn't just anything... if it had been a normal student, they'd be dead.
Sighing deeply, he deactivated his Sacred Gear. The energy surrounding him faded, though his body still vibrated with the adrenaline of the battle. He looked at Tamamo, who maintained her spiritual form floating elegantly beside him.
—I'm going to make a few calls, I need someone to know I'll be busy.
Tamamo nodded gently.
—I'll stand guard in the meantime, my husband~ —she whispered with a sweetly possessive tone.
Daniel smiled, took out his phone, and dialed the home number.
The call was answered quickly. Hikari was the first to respond, with her always calm tone.
—Daniel? Are you okay? We felt a magical disturbance a few minutes ago.
—I'm fine. I had a little... "encounter" with some magical insects. Nothing serious.
In the background, Hibiki's voice shouted:
—Nothing serious?! We felt as if a battlefield had exploded near the city!
Daniel let out a nervous laugh.
—Really, I'm fine. I just wanted to let you know I'll be late. I'm going to investigate where the attack came from.
Suddenly, Reynare took the phone; her voice sounded somewhere between concerned... and annoyed.
—And you're just going to go alone like that? After being attacked as if you were some damn fresh meat buffet?!
Daniel, patient, used a soft but firm tone.
—I won't be alone. Tamamo is with me. Besides, I need to understand what's happening. If I let this pass, they might attack again, and maybe next time they won't just attack me.
A brief silence. Then, Reynare huffed, and it was clear she crossed her arms on the other end of the phone.
—Tch... It's not like I'm worried about you or anything... Do whatever you want, stupid human with a shonen hero face!
—Thank you, Reynare —he said with a warm smile—. I appreciate that you worry, even if you deny it so strongly.
—I don't care about you! Not at all! Don't even think it! —and she hung up abruptly.
Tamamo let out a small giggle.
—Ufufufu~ What lovely competition we have... though not as charming as me, of course.
—I'm not done yet —Daniel said, dialing Alya's number.
It didn't take long for her to answer.
—Daniel? Everything okay?
—Yes, I'm fine —he said quickly—. I was attacked a little while ago, but Tamamo and I took care of the problem. I just wanted to let you know I'll be out a bit longer, I'm going to find the person responsible.
Alya's silence was brief, but loaded.
—Are you crazy? You could have died! Daniel... —her voice lowered a bit, more worried—. Please, be careful.
—I will, I promise —he replied sincerely.
—You'd better, because if you don't come back safe and sound... I'm going to search for you in every corner of heaven, hell, and purgatory! And when I find you, I'll kill you myself! Got it?!
Daniel let out an honest, soft laugh.
—Got it, princess. I promise I'll return. I don't plan on leaving anyone behind.
—You'd better not... idiot —she added in a low, trembling voice before hanging up.
Tamamo, who had heard everything thanks to the mental link, narrowed her eyes with a slight pout on her lips.
—Mmm~ How sweet... those girls of yours sure have character. But I am also your Servant, and besides protecting you... I also want love! I want equal treatment! Hugs, caresses, kisses! I want everything! It's not fair!
Daniel looked at her, somewhat surprised but amused. His voice became soft.
—So you want that too?
—I demand it! —she responded, puffing out her cheeks like a child, though her eyes shone with adult desire.
Daniel approached and gently stroked her head, running his fingers through her hair. Tamamo closed her eyes with an expression of peace and satisfaction.
—That's a good start... but there's still more...
Before he could respond, Tamamo leaned toward him. What began as a pure, almost innocent kiss soon transformed. The need for connection, the pent-up desire, the deep bond between Master and Servant, between man and woman, exploded in that instant.
It was a kiss full of emotions: desire, tenderness, passion, and unspoken promises.
When they separated, both were breathing heavily, and Tamamo's cheeks were completely flushed.
—That was... —he murmured.
—...barely the first installment of the many you owe me, dear husband~ —she said with an intoxicating smile.
Daniel could only laugh softly, as his determination solidified even further.
Zouken Matou had no idea who he had messed with.
Night had fallen over Kuoh, but it was not a quiet night. In the heart of a neighborhood forgotten by time and light, an ancient, rotting house stood like an open wound in the world: the Matou residence.
Its architecture was from another era. The walls breathed dampness, the floors creaked even when not stepped on, and the magical presence enveloping it seemed made of putrid despair. It was a house that screamed, in silence, "leave."
And there stood Daniel, in front of the rusted gate. Beside him, floating with supernatural grace, Tamamo no Mae.
—This house... —he murmured— reeks of evil. Of slow death.
—It doesn't just reek of it, my love —said Tamamo seriously, very different from her usual coquettish tone—. This place is infested with black magic. Ancient rites, traps, curses... and those disgusting aberrations Zouken calls insects. It's a nest.
Daniel nodded. He didn't allow himself to doubt.
—Then... it's time to fumigate.
Tamamo smiled with a fierce air.
—And I will be your personal exterminator, my dear.
When they crossed the gate, the traps began to activate. Dispersion seals, defensive invocations, illusion fields. Any other mage would have been torn to pieces before reaching the main door. But they hadn't counted on a legendary Caster.
Tamamo raised her fan. An elegant gesture, a soft word, and the traps began to decompose like burnt leaves.
—This is child's play~. Were these the "great secrets of the Matous"? Bah, they barely tickle.
With each step, the supposedly impenetrable terrain was cleansed, rewritten, and absorbed by the divine magic of the mystical fox.
—Keep moving forward, Daniel. I'll cover the perimeter and nullify any active rituals. You have a girl to save and a walking corpse to purge.
Daniel nodded. With his Boosted Gear already activated, his Haki extended, and his determination at the surface, he ventured into the darkness.
Inside, the house was worse. The air was thick with the stench of old blood and spiritual rot. The floors seemed to breathe, as if something beneath was moving... and it wasn't imagination.
Zouken Matou awaited him in the basement gloom, his body more larva than man, smiling with absolute contempt.
—My, my... the lovesick brat came to rescue the broken doll? How brave... and how stupid.
—I didn't come to talk —Daniel said with an icy voice—. I came to cleanse this plague from the world.
Zouken snapped his fingers and dozens of magical insects emerged from the walls. Twisted, ravenous creatures, each an abomination.
But Daniel was already in motion.
—Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! —his Sacred Gear roared with power. His movements were precise, brutal. Each strike destroyed waves of insects, his fists were hammers of fire and crimson steel.
Zouken couldn't believe it. His traps were useless, his creatures devoured by the Red Emperor's energy.
Meanwhile, Tamamo ventured down another hidden route in the mansion. Her mission was clear: find Sakura Matou and free her.
When she opened the door to the underground room, the smell of despair almost made her frown. Sakura lay on a bed, her skin pale, her breathing erratic. Small marks on her body indicated the parasitic invasion of Zouken's insects.
—Poor thing... no more.
Tamamo invoked a purification circle. A divine technique forgotten by humans. A blue flame covered Sakura's body, enveloping her in a soft light.
Sakura screamed... but not in pain. It was as if her body for the first time in years knew what it was like to be free.
—Hold on a little longer, little one. Your knight in red armor is kicking ass right now for you.
Finally, Daniel and Tamamo reunited. Zouken lay destroyed on the floor, his remains burning with magical fire, his spirit reduced to ashes.
Sakura, though still unconscious, was free.
Tamamo looked at Daniel and smiled proudly.
—I knew you were a hero. Even if you're a bit of a brute.
Daniel knelt beside Sakura, gently taking her hand.
—No one else will suffer because of this war... not while I can prevent it.
The sky began to lighten.
The Matou residence had been purified.
And the true beginning of the end of the Holy Grail War had just been ignited by the fire of an unwavering decision.
The sun had just begun to peek over the horizon as the first rays filtered through the curtains of the room. A gentle breeze entered through the slightly open window, bringing with it the scent of a new day... one that Sakura Matou never believed possible.
She woke slowly, her body still weak. At first, everything seemed like a cruel illusion: the bed was soft, the sheets clean, the air didn't smell of dampness or rot. There were no chains, no eerie whispers, no pain.
She blinked a couple of times, and then she saw him. Sitting by her bed, with a calm expression and a serene smile, was Daniel.
Sakura instinctively recoiled, as if her mind couldn't accept that she wasn't in danger. Her trembling gaze reflected years of trauma. Her lips could barely form words:
—Where... am I?
Daniel didn't move. He made no sudden gestures. He just tilted his head slightly and spoke to her gently:
—You're safe... Sakura.
His voice was warm, sincere. There was no trace of authority or superiority. He wasn't a master, he wasn't a jailer. He was... a human. A real one.
—You don't have to fear me. No one here wants to hurt you.
Sakura swallowed. How many times had she heard that before, only for the next night to bring back hell? She hesitated, glancing at him sideways. Then, very slowly, she brought her hand to her arm... and pinched herself.
Nothing.
She pinched herself again. Harder this time. Nothing.
—It can't be... —she murmured, her voice breaking.
A tear escaped. Then another. And another. Until her body could no longer contain it.
Sakura cried as she never had before. Not from fear. Not from pain. She cried from relief. From happiness. From disbelief.
Daniel calmly approached and sat on the edge of the bed. He said nothing. He didn't try to comfort her with empty words. He simply offered his open arms. An invitation, not an order.
She hesitated... but she let herself fall into them.
She curled up against his chest and cried until she fell asleep.
Her tears soaked Daniel's shirt, but he didn't flinch. He just held her, in silence. The weight of her body in his arms was like holding something fragile, broken, but finally free.
—You've been through so much... and you're still here —he murmured quietly, carefully stroking her hair.
In his mind, memories of his past life as a spectator of Sakura's story returned with force. He knew what she had suffered, but seeing it in the flesh, seeing the imprint of that pain etched into her soul, was something else.
A solitary tear rolled down Daniel's cheek.
—You're strong... more than anyone will ever know.
And then, with his characteristic mocking tone, Ddraig spoke in his mind:
—What's this, partner? The hero cries? I thought you were the type to hit first and ask questions later.
Daniel smiled slightly, even through tears.
—Shut up, lizard. Don't ruin the moment.
—Bah, I'm just saying... lucky girl. To have you and not an idiot like Shinji. Although of course... you've probably won her over for the harem now, huh?
Daniel let out a small laugh, not responding.
The room returned to silence. Tamamo watched from the door, with a soft gaze. There was no jealousy in her eyes, only respect.
And so, on that temperate morning, a wilted flower began to bloom again.
Not thanks to miracles, nor magic, nor spells.
But thanks to something Sakura Matou never believed she had...
Hope.