Chapter 22: Departure

Words : 832 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

After a whole day spent studying the magecraft notes, Kariya, feeling exhausted, walked out of the basement and happened to see two figures, one big and one small, sitting on the couch, intently watching TV. In such a magical environment, it's ridiculous that the electronics are still working. "I used magic protection." Sakatsuki said lazily as if he could tell what Kariya was thinking. "Ah, Uncle Kariya!" Sakura also spotted Kariya and smiled happily. It had been several days since Sakatsuki raided the Tohsaka family. During this time, after learning about the Holy Grail War, Kariya spent almost all his time in the basement, while Sakura, having spent so many days with him, gradually let down her guard and returned to her original gentle and adorable self. Sakatsuki, sitting on the couch, tilted his head and looked at the girl's joyful expression, a slight smile tugging at his lips. From an interest-based perspective, the living Zouken Matou, or rather, Makiru Zolgen, would hold far more value to Sakatsuki. He could even manipulate the Holy Grail War with his power. However, neither Sakatsuki nor the original Shirou would allow Sakura to fall into the hands of the old worm. 'Sigh... I'm too soft-hearted.' Sakatsuki shook his head self-mockingly. He then glanced at Kariya's left hand, his expression subtly changing. "You... have become one?" In response, Kariya smirked and raised his left hand, showing the back of his hand where there was a red mark. "If this is what you mean by the crest, my master and enemy." "Hmph!" Sakatsuki and Kariya locked gazes. Slowly, Sakatsuki removed his gloves and raised his left hand, which also bore a crest. And with a grin, he said. "Then come at me. Let's see if I don't knock your teeth out." "You little brat, do you think you can compete with me? I've read books! Servants don't fear ordinary firearms!" "With all the resources I've given you, the leyline support you've relied on, and the foundation you've established, you still only now qualify to participate in the Holy Grail War? You dare to talk?" "Oh, you want to try my water magecraft?" "Although it's not summer yet if the old uncle wants to play with water, I'll reluctantly agree." "You cheeky kid dares to say that?" "What's so daring about it?" "Hehehe..." "Hmph..." Despite the tense atmosphere, Sakura, sitting on the couch, looked back and forth, tilting her head in confusion.@@@@ But this decision had already been made... Kariya suddenly turned to look at Sakatsuki. "Are you leaving?" Sakatsuki nodded slightly. "My time is running out. Now that you have the qualifications, I can leave with peace of mind." Sensing his reluctance, Sakatsuki smiled softly and shook his head, making a promise. "I'll rest for a year, then return." Kariya gritted his teeth, ultimately saying nothing. He simply watched as Sakatsuki washed the dishes, said his goodbyes to him and Sakura, and then, like usual, put on his suit and walked out with determined steps, disappearing from their sight. This departure would last a full year. During that year, Kariya never stopped practising magic and also continued to guide Sakura so she wouldn't lose her most precious emotions on the path of magecraft. Meanwhile, Sakura began to learn the incredibly complex imaginary number magecraft, and under mysterious influences, even her body underwent strange changes... And when the fated day came, Kariya raised his right hand, an even firmer expression of anticipation flashing across his face. "The Holy Grail War... I will make you pay, Tokiomi Tohsaka." "And you, Sakatsuki, you little brat, don't disappoint me." *** Let's return to a year ago, on the day of the farewell. After bidding farewell to Kariya and Sakura, Sakatsuki didn't stay but hurried to the location of Fuyuki's largest leyline—Mount Enzou. Legend has it that a dragon once dwelled there, silently welcoming this peculiar guest. Like a mountain spirit from a strange tale, the young man glided through the mountain path and entered a large cave called the "Dragon's Cave." This was the gathering place of the leyline, as well as the location of the Greater Grail. Sakatsuki stood at the centre of the cave, his expression solemn. After taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes. His remaining time, or rather, his life, was not much. The preparations he had made were sufficient, and now he must slow the consumption of his life force and wait for the Holy Grail War to begin. Then... continue the life that he could already see the end of. With the appearance of a deep blue magic circle, his form dissolved and disappeared into the faint red markings. [Self-existence dispersed, consciousness connected with the Greater Holy Grail.] [Third Magic fragment used.] [Entering slumber, expected awakening time: 7,000 hours.] [Individual life force consumption slowed, estimated remaining active time: 7,400 hours.]

Chapter 22: Departure

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