Chapter 177: [177] Black Keys, Lodging with the Rider Group

Words : 1512 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

Chapter 177 - [177] Black Keys, Lodging with the Rider Group [Fate Compendium Updated.] [008: Kirei Kotomine] [Character Information: A first-class executor of the Holy Church...] [Hidden Information: He has a fondness for spicy food and is a regular at the Chinese restaurant "Red China Banquet Hall·Mount Tai" in Fuyuki City. When meeting Shirou Emiya there, Kirei continuously devoured mapo tofu with such intensity that even Shirou was intimidated by his fervor. As a result, Kirei is also known as the "Mapo Priest," or simply "Mapo."] [Record Conditions (3/3)]: [•Defeat Kirei Kotomine. (Completed)] [•Kill Kirei Kotomine. (Completed)] [•Hidden Condition: Make food that stimulates Kirei Kotomine. (Completed)]* [Condition 2 Reward: "Black Key" Projection Authority and Full Mastery of Techniques!] With a flick of his wrist, projection magecraft activated, and several sword hilts appeared between Sakatsuki's fingers. As mana was infused, sharp blades shot out, exuding an aura of mystery. Black Keys are exorcism tools used by the Holy Church. When traveling, only the hilts need to be carried, as the blades are formed from mana. In a certain money-grabbing mobile game, "Black Keys" were shamelessly turned into three types of Craft Essences, flooding the gacha pool and earning the ire of countless players who dubbed them the "Nine Solitary Keys," a symbol of bad luck and poor gacha rolls. Even disregarding the three-star Craft Essences in the game, there are very few users of Black Keys within the Holy Church. Although they are symbolic tools for executors, their difficulty of use and lack of physical destructive power make them unpopular. Moreover, since Black Keys themselves are not highly mystical, Sakatsuki could project them without needing the assistance of the Fate Compendium. Compared to the master-level Bajiquan rewarded by the hidden condition, the reward for killing Kirei Kotomine seemed much less impressive. However, when Satsuki received the experience of "Black Key Mastery," he realized the true value of this reward. "Iron Plate Effect · Cremation Rite." With a burst of flame, Sakatsuki hurled the Black Key in his hand, sending it spiraling through the air before it struck the ground in the distance. The impact created a gust of wind that whipped up the flames, resembling a small fiery tornado. The Holy Church opposes magecraft, but Sakatsuki has no such restrictions. His mana output far surpasses that of a typical church member. "At least equivalent to a three-verse magecraft chant in power, and they can be projected at any time. Their throwing speed is incredibly fast, and compared to firearms, they possess a mystical quality that makes them more effective against supernatural enemies." The young man nodded in satisfaction as he observed his handiwork. Both the "Iron Plate Effect," which increases throwing power, and the "Cremation Rite," which enchants the Black Keys with flames, are highly advanced techniques for using Black Keys. It is precisely because of their high skill ceiling that there are so few users of Black Keys. But on the flip side, consider who the users of Black Keys are: Kirei Kotomine, an executor of the Holy Church; Ciel of the Burial Agency; Amakusa Shirou Tokisada... Additionally, in the FGO drama CD "Strange Tales of Heroic Spirit Lore ~King of the Cavern, Edmond Dantès~," Father Angelo Braghe, an executor of the Holy Church, also used Black Keys. Clearly, much like the silver weapon settings in a certain world, while strong individuals may not necessarily use Black Keys, those who can wield them skillfully are among the top-tier combatants of the Holy Church. There's also a hidden benefit—enemies who use Black Keys will no longer pose a threat to Saaktsuki, as he now wields them with greater proficiency than they do. Suddenly, Sakatsuki's expression shifted. He stowed the Black Keys and walked toward the entrance of Ryudou Temple. At the gate, Saber was already waiting with a serious expression. Seeing Sakatsuki approach, she gave a slight nod. "Maiya reported that someone has breached the barrier." Having formed a contract with Sakatsuki, she had immediately informed her Master through their telepathic link upon detecting the intrusion. "I sensed it too. I didn't expect uninvited guests tonight—leave the Servant to you, and I'll handle the Master for some practice." Not even bothering to change into his spiritual attire, Sakatsuki adjusted his black-and-white kimono and stood beside Saber, sensing an overwhelming surge of mana approaching from the distance. As thunder filled the sky and the low bellow of the divine bull echoed, the tension between Sakatsuki and Saber dissipated. They exchanged a glance, and both let out a wry laugh. "Rider..." "That guy... it's hard to dislike him." In the end, they did nothing but watch as Rider and his Master, Waver, galloped toward them and landed right in front of the pair. "Yo, Saber, and Sakatsuki! We're here to crash at your place for the night!" Iskandar, as always, got straight to the point. "Wait, Rider, you do realize this is our territory, right?" Saber gripped her sword, her implication clear. Aren't you afraid that Sakatsuki and I might just attack and force you to retreat? In response, the King of Conquerors let out a hearty laugh. "Hahaha, don't be so stingy, King of Knights! I come bearing sincerity!" With that, Rider slapped his Master on the shoulder, causing Waver to grimace in pain. Just like at the docks, where Rider had chosen to retreat without hesitation—in the face of Sakatsuki's high mobility, a fragile Master like Waver would be cut down instantly in a fight. By boldly bringing his Master here, Iskandar was indeed showing his sincerity as a Servant. "Of course, this is something I agreed to as well." Shooting a resentful glare at his Servant, Waver rubbed his shoulder and addressed Sakatsuki and Saber. "Even though Kirei Kotomine is dead, Gilgamesh still knows the location of our base. To avoid involving innocent people, I've already said my goodbyes to the old man. At this point, it's too late to set up a new base, so please allow us to stay here for the night." As he spoke, Waver couldn't help but recall the conversation he had with Rider on their way here. "Rider, are you sure about staying at the enemy's base? Even if I don't have enough mana to set up a workshop, we could just find a hotel or something." "Are you an idiot, boy? Why pass up the chance to stay at a base personally prepared by Sakatsuki and instead go to a hotel that's easily targeted? Archer is still roaming the city, you know." Rider replied. "Besides, while Sakatsuki may be ruthless in tactics, he's also the most courteous. Once he accepts you, you don't have to worry about backstabbing or sneak attacks. He'll treat you with hospitality and fight you openly and honorably." "Is... is that so?" As the memory faded, Waver, seeing Sakatsuki still deep in thought, was about to speak again when Rider cut him off with his usual bluntness. "There's another reason, though. Ever since that night at the Hyatt Hotel, I've been craving your delicious cooking, Sakatsuki!" "I can't argue with that. It seems Rider truly has no ill intentions." "Don't put away your sword only after hearing that, my King!" Sakatsuki couldn't help but grimace. "At least pretend to be cautious!" "But Sakatsuki's cooking really is exceptional." Saber's ahoge twitched slightly, and her expression turned somewhat adorable. "Is it some kind of secret technique that can't be shared with outsiders?" Her serious tone while saying something so adorable made Sakatsuki cover his mouth to hide a smile. Clearing his throat, he said. "Fine, you can stay for the night. But if you want to enjoy a meal cooked by me, there's one condition—Waver has to win against me in a challenge." "Wait, me?" Waver pointed at himself, incredulous. "I have to win against you?" "That's right. You can choose any challenge you like. If you win, I'll cook dinner tonight. If not... well, you'll have to make do with cup noodles from the convenience store at the foot of Ryudou Temple." Sakatsuki said with a calm smile, his sleeves swaying gently. This wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. With Waver's "Eye for Art," Sakatsuki was eager to see if he could uncover some hidden weaknesses and use this opportunity to improve. Perhaps influenced too deeply by Lord El-Melloi II's Case Files, Sakatsuki failed to realize that the current Waver was not the seasoned Lord El-Melloi II of the future. His "Eye for Art" lacked the extensive knowledge base it would later have. As a result, after racking his brain, Waver finally proposed a challenge that left everyone stunned. "In that case, let's settle this with... that!" *** Hey readers! Want to read ahead? ???? Join my Patreon for early access to 30+ advance Chapters! Your support helps me write more and bring the story to you faster. ????/aarvan????

Chapter 177: [177] Black Keys, Lodging with the Rider Group

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