Aozaki Aoko Case File

Credits: hyoi

"Victory!"

Tokiomi Tohsaka couldn't help but clench his right fist tightly in a heartfelt exclamation of triumph as the golden figure emerged from the summoning circle.

"This war is undoubtedly ours to win!"

Seeing Tokiomi's excitement, his ally, Father Risei Kotomine, also expressed genuine joy.

"It seems we are one step closer to success, Tokiomi," Risei remarked.

"It's unfortunate, though, that Kirei has not manifested Command Seals."

"It doesn't matter," Tokiomi responded magnanimously with a wave of his hand.

"Even without being chosen by the Grail, Kirei is an excellent Executor and will be an invaluable assistant behind the scenes."

Meanwhile, Kotomine Kirei, Tokiomi's disciple, stood in stunned silence, staring at the golden figure in the summoning circle.

The figure's arrival banished the surrounding darkness. A tall, regal presence stood clad in gleaming golden armor, his golden hair flowing upward like blazing flames. His strikingly handsome face radiated a proud and commanding aura.

Crimson eyes, aglow with mysterious light, scanned the room with piercing judgment. Those caught in his gaze couldn't help but feel a deep sense of awe and intimidation. Even someone as numb and hollow as Kirei found himself momentarily moved by the sight.

"Hmph."

The golden figure spoke, his arrogance evident in every syllable.

"So, you are the one who summoned this king?"

"I pledge my unwavering loyalty to you," Tokiomi declared, kneeling on one knee with perfect formality.

"O King of Heroes."

Beside him, Kirei and Risei followed suit, bowing deeply in respect to the figure addressed as the King of Heroes, awaiting his reply.

"...Though you seem like a dull person, there is a flame within your heart," the Heroic Spirit remarked, his cold gaze softening slightly with a hint of amusement.

"Rise. I accept your fealty."

"Thank you for your grace, King of Kings," Tokiomi replied, standing with a deferential bow.

"O King, would you like me to brief you on the current situation?"

"Speak."

The golden king granted permission.

"As of now, three factions have summoned Servants," Tokiomi began. "An unknown foreign magus has summoned Saber. The Matou family's Master has summoned Berserker. And the Einzbern family has summoned Assassin."

"Only that many?"

The King of Heroes nodded, seemingly satisfied with Tokiomi's work. "Though they are mere beasts, it is your duty as my subject to investigate the quarry before the king's hunt begins."

"Your wisdom shall guide me," Tokiomi responded.

"My ally, Father Risei, wields a relic known as the Spirit Board. With it, we can identify Servant classes as soon as they are summoned."

"Oh?"

The King glanced at Risei with mild interest.

"Mortals may be dull creatures, but their creations often have value."

Just as Tokiomi prepared to flatter the King further, an overwhelming presence shook the room.

It was as though something immense had stepped into the world's surface—a herald of divine power made manifest.

Even the proud King of Heroes widened his eyes, his lips curling into an exhilarated smile.

"Hohahahaha!"

He burst into laughter.

Tokiomi, confused and now sweating, could sense that something unexpected had occurred in this Holy Grail War—but he had no idea what.

"Caster has materialized!"

Risei exclaimed after checking the Spirit Board.

"Just now, summoned by a Master!"

"That guy, huh?"

The King of Heroes seemed elated.

"I thought this summoning might have been a wasted trip. But whether intentional or not, you have achieved something noteworthy... and deserve a reward!"

Tokiomi, though clueless about what had transpired, wisely knelt before the King again, awaiting his decree.

Golden ripples appeared beside the King of Heroes, and from them, a golden vial floated forth.

Gilgamesh caught the vial and carelessly tossed it to Tokiomi, who hastily caught it and began examining the treasure with awe.

"My King, forgive my ignorance, but... what is this?"

Tokiomi asked, unable to hide his curiosity.

"It is the Elixir of Time Reversal," Gilgamesh replied nonchalantly. "Drink it in time, and no matter how grave the injury, your body will swiftly return to its original state."

"!!!"

Tokiomi's eyes widened, his hands trembling as he held the vial. This elixir was a treasure beyond imagination for any magus, akin to a second life.

"Thank you for your gracious reward! I swear to serve you with unwavering devotion!"

"Leave me now," Gilgamesh ordered.

"This king has business to attend to. I must go greet an... 'old acquaintance.' I never thought they would respond to a summoning... This is too entertaining!"

With that, Gilgamesh dissolved into golden light, shifting into his spirit form as he left Tokiomi's underground workshop.

Tokiomi had initially wanted to advise the King not to reveal his presence so early. But as he held the weighty treasure in his hands, he swallowed the words and chose silence.

Initially, Tokiomi had thought that Servants were no more than shadows of historical heroes, akin to finely crafted portraits.

But now, having seen this portrait casually hand out a miraculous treasure, Tokiomi realized he needed to reassess how he approached these beings.

After a brief moment of thought, Tokiomi turned to his student.

"Kirei, I leave the intelligence gathering to you. You must confirm the Einzbern Servant's identity and the Master's details."

"Yes, Teacher," Kirei replied.

"Based on prior information, the Einzberns seem to have hired a mercenary with the title of Magus Killer—one Emiya Kiritsugu."

"Hm... So, the Einzberns have abandoned their homunculi and turned to hire magi instead?"

Tokiomi pondered.

"And as for the Matou family, while I've destroyed their workshop, a Servant has appeared at their manor..."

"Either Zouken Matou is still alive, or another bloodline member has returned to Fuyuki," Tokiomi speculated.

"Surely it cannot be that useless Matou Kariya?"

"I can arrange for the Holy Church to summon the Masters," Risei suggested.

"While experienced magi might not appear in person, familiars or outsiders might expose themselves, providing us with clues."

"Thank you, Father Risei." Tokiomi nodded.

"I'll deal with this treasure first. The two of you can begin your tasks."