"I said, I don't approve!"
Zelretch, the Kaleidoscope, forcefully intervened in the Grand decision. None of the assembled Lords dared to voice any objection to his involvement.
As the founder of the Clock Tower and a practitioner of the Second Magic, Zelretch's very presence virtually embodied the entire institution.
"But Lord Marshal, the situation in Fuyuki City has already endangered the entire Magecraft World. Even you..."
Despite Zelretch's pronouncement, one Lord stubbornly persisted. After all, Magi depended on the principle that "Mystery Should Remain Hidden." Jiang You's actions had gravely threatened the collective interests of all Magi, and the Lords of the Clock Tower believed that even the Grand Marshal himself could not remain wholly unaffected.
Zelretch had always been lenient with the Mages' Association, even as its members' resolve gradually weakened. In any other situation, he wouldn't have minded offering a detailed explanation.
But Jiang You's case was far too precarious. If anyone with malicious intentions learned the truth, the entire world would be doomed. Even Zelretch himself couldn't survive such a disaster, as all parallel worlds would be annihilated in an instant. Unless absolutely necessary, he wouldn't even consider approaching Jiang You's timeline.
Since explanation was impossible, the only way to keep the Lords in line was through brute force.
"Need I repeat myself?!"
Zelretch unleashed the full force of his magical power as the Wizard Marshal, his oppressive aura resembling the might of a dragon. Several weaker Lords crumpled to their knees, unable to maintain their posture. "I've made myself perfectly clear! The Clock Tower must not interfere with this matter. Recall all those dispatched for investigation and assassination immediately!"
The chilling killing intent radiating from Zelretch left no doubt: the Kaleidoscope was deadly serious this time.
"I'm giving you three hours. That's an order!"
Zelretch stated his position and immediately departed. Being in Jiang You's timeline felt like walking a tightrope over an unfathomable abyss, where one wrong step could lead to utter ruin. He couldn't bear to remain there for another second.
The Lords exchanged uneasy glances. It was deeply unsettling that Kaleidoscope, the elusive architect of the Clock Tower who rarely showed himself, had suddenly appeared to protect a servant threatening to destroy the Magecraft World—a stark contradiction that left them deeply unsettled.
Though they understood that allowing Jiang You to continue unchecked would betray their own interests, none dared challenge Kaleidoscope's authority. Without exchanging a word, they all knew what they had to do.
"So, are we just going to stand by and watch as magecraft dies here?" one Lord demanded, raising his hand to slam the conference table in frustration. But remembering Kaleidoscope's watchful presence, he forcibly suppressed his anger.
"Didn't the Age of Gods Magecraft die out too? They must have felt the same way back then," another Lord said, attempting to comfort himself.
"Let's take a closer look at this Servant's information," one Lord began. "He possesses a Noble Phantasm that allows him to summon Heroic Spirits independently, without relying on a ritual. The Holy Grail in Fuyuki was achieved through the Third Magic, correct? Caster even offered a Soul Crystal, a crystallization of the Third Magic itself, as a prize to ensure his continued activity."
This revelation stunned all the Lords. Had time permitted, they would have personally intervened. They understood the value of Soul Crystals better than anyone else—treasures worth betraying their fellow Lords for. Some Lords with high-speed transportation were already itching to act, while others began contemplating whether they could persuade Jiang You to host a second Duel Tournament.
"Furthermore, according to the latest intelligence, he summoned a Gilgamesh from another timeline to battle him—a Noble Phantasm related to Parallel Worlds. Could this be connected to the Second Magic? And Caster's Noble Phantasm generates cards of a type called 'Magic Cards'."
"A Noble Phantasm with properties of both the Second and Third Magics..."
Their discussion ended abruptly. All the Lords tacitly fell silent, sensing that further deliberation might uncover truths best left undisturbed.
"Let's not be so pessimistic. Caster's Noble Phantasm can affect Magus, replaying his and his family's achievements like projections. Perhaps this is the future of magecraft. The Lord Marshal of Magecraft must have his own reasons."
This idea struck everyone like a bolt of lightning, making everything suddenly clear.
"Then I propose we cease pursuing any responsibility for Caster or any Magus associated with the Holy Grail War."
"Trambelio, I second the motion!"
"Eulyphis, I second the motion!"
"Gaiuslink, I second the motion!"
Unanimous agreement.
Finally, no objections were raised. The Grand resolution concluded smoothly, a cause for celebration indeed.
"Next proposal: The Clock Tower will be responsible for maintaining Caster's physical manifestation."
Though unspoken, the Lords understood the proposer's intentions perfectly. Given Caster's nature, maintaining his presence and fulfilling his needs would likely lead him to continue hosting Duel tournaments, perhaps even offering valuable materials as prizes.
Caster's willingness to offer Soul Crystals as prizes demonstrated his utter indifference to their value.
"Eulyphis approves!" someone eagerly declared.
Unanimous approval followed.
-
"So, Bazett, you received an emergency notification from the Clock Tower?" Rin Tohsaka asked, noticing Bazett's labored breathing. Sensing the urgency of the message, she felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety. She was relieved that the Clock Tower had finally responded, hoping the reinforcements Bazett had mentioned would arrive soon. But she also worried about being held accountable for her handling of Fuyuki City.
The current situation had shattered Fuyuki's veil of secrecy. While the immediate consequences were unclear, prolonged exposure would inevitably harm the interests of all Magi.
"What did the Clock Tower say?" Rin asked, straightening her posture unconsciously.
"Well... it's complicated. This is supposed to be their most urgent communication channel, but the message they sent was..."
"Contact the Church and local administrators to fully support Caster's activities. If necessary, assist him in dealing with Magus and Servants who violate the rules."
Bazett continued, her expression utterly bewildered.
"During the Holy Grail War, Caster must not be allowed to withdraw. Do everything possible to ensure his continued presence."
"Huh?"