Fate/Magus Path

In the courtyard of the El-Melloi Mansion, Waver and Roy were taking a walk while chatting.

Time passed quickly.

In the blink of an eye, a week had already passed since he arrived at Kayneth's manor.

Since that day, the group of lords and high-ranking officials at the Clock Tower had immediately sealed off the area, waiting for him for a full three days.

In the end, they realized that Zelretch might have transported him elsewhere, which was why they lifted the seal and left.

During this period, to avoid any unnecessary troubles affecting his study progress, Roy, as per Kayneth's arrangement, did not continue to go to the Clock Tower for further studies, nor did he appear within the bounds of London. Instead, he spent most of his time studying magecraft in the great library of the El-Melloi school.

With his almost fatigue-free body, Roy was able to learn as much knowledge as possible in the limited time available. Coupled with the soul's absolute compatibility with magecraft, his learning speed could be said to be extraordinarily rapid.

Therefore, seeing Roy study for no less than ten hours a day without interruption, Waver felt as though he were seeing a ghost. Especially when he noticed that Roy's health and complexion remained unchanged under such circumstances, he couldn't help but express his admiration, saying, "Your stomach is really strong."

During this period of self-study, Roy indeed encountered difficulties. However, the most surprising thing was that his greatest obstacle to progress was language.

The Grand Library not only provided magical books in English but also offered a collection of magical books in foreign and ancient languages that he struggled to understand at the moment.

Fortunately, Jubstacheit from the Einzbern family, aware of the issues he was facing, quickly sent a homunculus to translate the material into a language he could comprehend overnight.

But even with the help of the homunculus sent by Jubstacheit, it did not resolve his current problems because the translated magical books contained many vocabularies and terms that could only be understood by magus. If it weren't for Waver, a theoretical genius, who assisted him in translating and explaining, Roy might have been stuck there.

In Fuyuki City, the magus followed local customs, using Japanese to communicate with one another. However, in London, no one spoke Japanese.

This wasn't an anime world where the entire universe used a single language.

So, during this week, aside from the necessary sleep and rest, Roy spent all his time reviewing other ancient languages and studying and expanding his magecraft knowledge.

This fulfilling schedule brought back memories of his busy days preparing for exams in high school.

In fact, with the Third Magic as the core, and after transforming, Roy had long transcended human limitations; even his rest and sleep were merely rules he imposed on himself.

He hadn't felt the so-called fatigue and hunger in a long time; the life force and magical power flowing and continuing to generate within him felt almost endless. Fatigue, hunger, and all kinds of negative sensations had long been unrelated to this perfect body. He had already become a special being that transcended humanity, akin to those True Ancestors.

Whether this change was good or bad for him, Roy was uncertain.

However, he worried that if he continued to live in this state for a long time, gradually adapting and fading away, he would detach from humanity, becoming no longer himself, with both his soul and body turning into an immortal beings like those True Ancestors.

Therefore, he set many rules for himself to prevent himself from straying too far.

Over a week had passed, and after several days of intense cramming, Roy felt that his language proficiency had improved significantly, reaching a level where he could read magical books fluently.

Glancing at Waver, who had fallen asleep at the table, exhausted to the point of being unconscious, Roy pulled a blanket from the wall and covered him.

During this week, Waver had not only had to handle the extracurricular assignments left by Kayneth but also had to tutor and explain relevant knowledge about magecraft to him, clearly exhausting him.

Although it was already bright outside, Roy did not plan to wake Waver. He extended his finger and lightly traced a butterfly in the air, making it land on Waver's head.

Soon, the calming magecraft on the butterfly began to take effect, and Waver fell into a deeper sleep, letting out soft snores.

"Sweet dreams."

He said softly.

...

When he closes his eyes.

Roy once again entered the dream to visit his old friend, the so-called Master Swordsmanship, who was also the Magus of Flowers... Merlin.

However, this time when Merlin saw Roy, he was clearly not as happy as before; one could even say he looked a bit frightened.

Roy enthusiastically said, "Merlin, I'm here to see you again."

Merlin had a terrified expression on his face, "Don't come over here!!!"

It wasn't that Merlin was uninterested in Roy; he had seen through Roy's character.

No, perhaps it was Roy's attitude towards him.

As a monster that had lived for a thousand years, he had confidence in his ability to judge others.

He was certain that in Roy's eyes, he was nothing more than a pitiful tool.

Roy was someone who wouldn't show up without a reason; every time he actively sought him out, it was definitely because he wanted help with something.

Not long ago, because he helped him with something, he had nearly walked through the gates of hell, almost getting sliced apart by that person, completely entering the Throne of Heroes.

This led to Merlin developing a reflex to want to run away whenever he saw Roy.

This guy was here to set him up again.

"Come back; I have something important to discuss with you this time." Roy said as he grabbed Merlin, who was trying to slip away.

"This doesn't involve Shiki, nor does it have anything to do with gods or something; it's just a simple academic discussion. I won't put you in danger."

"Really?"

Merlin turned his head back.

"Really."

Roy nodded.

"I don't believe you."

Merlin frowned, clearly still wanting to escape.

However, after a brief playful struggle between the two, Merlin ended up staying.

Roy was someone he cared about very much; he was also one of the few humans he could actually have a conversation with. Although he had tricked him before, he had indeed helped him out a lot.

Before leaving, he decided to hear what Roy wanted him to do and then decide whether to help him.

However...

"Just to be clear, I won't risk my life to help you with any dangerous tasks this time."

"Alright, alright, just let me finish talking."

After about half an hour of detailed explanation from Roy, Merlin was convinced that this time Roy wasn't here to set him up. Since that was the case, it wouldn't hurt for this clever and noble man to help him a bit.

He scratched his head, briefly analyzed a few of the questions Roy raised, and then provided his answers.

"This situation is indeed quite interesting."

"Due to your massive magical power and circuits, it's difficult for your physical body to control the output. Even using the simplest magecraft can cause devastating effects, right?" Merlin stroked his chin and provided a simple analysis.

"Correct." 

"This situation is rare. The Third Magic contained within you can serve as a perpetual motion machine for magical energy. Not only that, but your body also possesses nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine Magic Circuits. This combination is quite terrifying."

"Although I can now feel an endless amount of power, it's hard to control. Even if I do my utmost to reduce the output, it results in ordinary magecraft being magnified hundreds of times in my hands, increasing both in quality and quantity..." 

"This involves many issues, so I want you to help me figure out a specific solution."

If it were in a state that hadn't been fully developed before, it would have been fine; although he could feel the growth of power, it wouldn't have led to such uncontrolled expansion and was still within manageable limits.

But ever since Zelretch infused him with magical energy from several parallel worlds, his body had become increasingly unmanageable.

His power was always at its peak, with endless magical energy, but the output was fixed. No matter how he controlled it, it would reach devastating effects.

In just one week, the rivers and forests surrounding the El-Melloi residence had been blasted countless times.

Since he couldn't find a solution, Roy thought of this friend of his who had the highest magical prowess... Merlin.

"As for the solution, the most convenient way would naturally be to seal the magic circuits. As long as the number is reduced to an appropriate amount, it should be fine." Merlin stroked his chin and started proposing a method.

"However, this method won't work for you."

"After all, the number of circuits you possess has already reached a level that can be described as spiritualized magic circuits. Unless you seal yourself completely, there won't be any particularly significant effects."

Roy nodded; he had thought of this method.

Just as Merlin said, his entire body was covered in magic circuits, and even if he tried to seal them, it wouldn't be feasible.

"As for other methods…" Merlin pondered for a moment and then proposed his suggestion.

"Then all that's left is to enhance your control over your magical power."

"You mean to improve my control over my magical power?" Roy shook his head and replied.

"I've thought of that method too, but you know, Merlin, control is different from magical power; it's not something that can just be improved. To enhance it, one needs to accumulate experience and constantly adapt. If I start now, how long will it take to master so many circuits?"

"Control..."

Merlin shrugged, "Indeed, this isn't something that can just be improved at will; it can only rely on the magus's own accumulation and insight, and no one else can help you."

"However, you can seek external assistance."

"Seek external assistance?"

Merlin didn't keep him in suspense and directly provided the answer, "For example, special mystic code or mystic eyes."

"Auxiliary mystic code and mystic eyes that enhance the use of one's own magical power do exist. Some magus use this type of mystic code or mystic eyes to make the most of their limited magical power. Although the effects usually aren't very pronounced, they happen to be perfect for your current situation."

As a Court Magus, Merlin had a high perspective. After a brief moment of thought, he quickly proposed a suitable solution for Roy.

"First, find a specific mystic code or mystic eyes to wear. This will help impose simple restrictions and strengthen control over your own power. Then you can gradually familiarize yourself and reclaim your original strength."

"Even if you do encounter a truly tricky enemy, you can take off the equipment to unleash all your power, similar to a boss entering its second form in a game, building up strength to scare the enemy. What do you think of this idea?"

"Are you saying to preemptively store power?"

Roy raised the corner of his mouth, understanding Merlin's suggestion, and pondered it carefully.

He found that Merlin's suggestion indeed seemed feasible.

"That's exactly the idea! What do you think? My idea is pretty good, right?"

"It is indeed feasible, but..."

"Well, it's quite difficult. After all, the amount of magical power in your body is exaggerated, and it's hard for the modern magus to create a device that can restrain you."

"Can you make it?"

"Of course! Who do you think I am?" Merlin confidently patted his chest and said, "Not to brag, but although I prefer to use a sword to cut people, my magecraft level has definitely not fallen behind. Even that Morgan girl is no match for me. I haven't found anyone in magecraft but King Solomon that I truly respect."

"..."

The two exchanged glances and then burst into laughter together.

Then Roy extended his hand...

"Help me, Merlin. I have too little involvement in magecraft and many things to worry about, which is why I had to come to seek your help, my friend."

Friend?

Is it a friendship between non-human beings?

This surprised Merlin a bit, as no one had ever said such things to him, nor had anyone genuinely reached out to him.

The sunlight and petals in the dream entwined around his palm, and as Merlin followed the arm to see his warm smile, he couldn't help but feel moved.

"Alright, I'll help you one more time. After all, I did establish a bond with you, you annoying brat."

Saying this, he naturally grasped Roy's hand and exchanged smiles.

"During the time I've spent with you, it's been one of the rare joyful moments in my thousand years. Anyway, I've already helped you so many times; this one more time doesn't matter."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. However, I hope that next time when I'm in trouble, you'll be just as reckless for me, my friend."

Merlin looked into Roy's eyes and said seriously.

"Of course, I promise you that debts of gratitude and enmity will always be repaid."

"Ah, you're becoming more and more like that avenger, but... I believe you."

"Alright, enough small talk. Let's relax a bit. Before I help you create the device, let me check how your body is developing!"

Merlin's hand began to roam all over Roy's body.

"Fuck off!"

Accompanied by a kick from Roy in the dream, the two fell back into a moment of playful chaos.

...

On the other side, Kayneth, at the family estate, felt a bit anxious.

When he saw the mountain of magical letters on the table, he couldn't help but feel a headache.

Just like hyenas on the African savanna, who will hunt to death once they smell blood, the folks from the Clock Tower seemed unwilling to give up easily, acting like those hyenas.

Kayneth could guess that they would never easily abandon Roy, even though he had clearly explained to them that Roy was his disciple, stating his position. Even so, those hyenas wouldn't give up; they would only find a more secretive way to dig their claws into him.

By any means necessary, without moral boundaries, to achieve their goals, they would use whatever means possible. That's how despicable magus are. Having mingled in the upper echelons of the world of magecraft for many years, Kayneth was very well aware of this.

The pile of envelopes on the table was nothing but those magus families probing for information about Roy.

Though he didn't want to deal with them, he had to admit that with their status in the Clock Tower, offending all of them at once would be quite troublesome. Even as Lord El-Melloi, he couldn't refuse them all at once; Kayneth could only reply to each one individually to negotiate.

Roy was his greatest card and could never be exposed.

Currently, the only ones who knew he was the Magician of the Third Magic, besides Zelretch, were Kayneth himself.

Kayneth was relieved that Roy didn't show any resistance towards joining the El-Melloi, which was a very good sign.

As long as Roy wasn't repulsed, there were plenty of ways to make him like it. He would subtly bestow more favors upon him to strive to pull him onto his chariot as soon as possible.

He had already asked Roy how much control he had over the Third Magic.

He also learned that Roy was still in the exploratory stage with his Magic. Although he could produce endless magical power due to the Third Magic's near-perpetual motion in his body and could reach maximum magical energy output with his nine thousand magic circuits, his strength far exceeded several well-prepared Lords joining forces.

However, this was merely the most basic application of the Third Magic. If it was just about producing and accumulating magical power, it would simply be a waste.

Roy was far from reaching the level of Zelretch, where magecraft could be used skillfully and integrated seamlessly. He still had doubts and confusion regarding the application of the Third Magic.

So, he still needed more time.

The appearance of the new Magician of the Third Magic would inevitably cause a huge uproar in the magical community, bringing unnecessary troubles. Although Roy was confident that with his strength, he could be considered a top powerhouse in the modern world of magecraft, he was definitely not the strongest.

The hidden depths of the Three Great Noble Families of the Clock Tower, the mysterious Wandering Sea, the Atlas Institute, the Dead Apostle Ancestors, the Black and White Princess, and the White Wing Lord, those organizations and beings undoubtedly could severely injure or even kill him, not to mention the Crimson Moon or even the Ultimate Ones.

The surface of the moonlit world has never been as simple as it appears. There might be dangers lurking in every corner of the world that could lead to his downfall.

Even as the Magician of the Third Magic when he fully mastered his Magic, he could probably only squeeze into the top tier of this world. Not to mention where he stood now, so he still needed more time to accumulate.

When he had gathered enough magical knowledge to explain the Third Magic and could apply it, it would also be the moment he formally stepped into the high-end combat power of the moonlit world, announcing the arrival of the Magician of the Third Magic.

In Kayneth's view, that would also be the time when the El-Melloi family would replace the three great noble families as the number one faction in the Clock Tower.

At this moment, the relationship between the two was in a mutually beneficial and complementary balance.

Roy had his own value and ambitions, while Kayneth had his status and connections. Additionally, there existed a bond of master and disciple between them.

To win over Roy, no matter the cost, it would be worth it. As long as Roy proposed requests within his capabilities, Kayneth would do his utmost to assist him, thereby bestowing favors.

He might even go as far as to let Roy take over as the new Head of the El-Melloi Family if he agreed to marry into the family.

So, the most troublesome thing now was still to negotiate with those nobles.

"Oh right, there's also the magic crest..."

Kayneth suddenly remembered something, when suddenly a familiar magical power intruded into his perception, completely unmasked, as if it were saying to him, "I have arrived." It entered his magical workshop.

As for who the visitor was?

Undoubtedly, the only ones who had the right to freely enter his magical workshop, aside from his fiancée, were only Roy, who had recently been granted access.

Sola didn't like magecraft and would never voluntarily enter his magical workshop. Whenever she came to find him, the butler would call to inform him in advance. So, it was clear who the visitor was.

But...

"Why did he come so quickly?"

Kayneth furrowed his brows in confusion.

He understood that Roy couldn't possibly stay in the Grand Library for an extended period, but it had only been a week since he planned for Roy to stay there for three months. Yet now he had come to find him so soon. Even if he couldn't contain his impatience, it shouldn't be this urgent, right? Doesn't learning magecraft require some time to settle? Or was there something special that brought him here?

Soon, the barrier at the door was broken, and Roy walked in as if nothing was amiss.

With the access privileges granted by Kayneth, Roy could move freely within the entire estate, without triggering the bounded fields and alarms set up in the residence, and he could come and go freely in Kayneth's magical workshop as well.

"Professor Kayneth, you look quite busy."

Roy glanced at the mountain of letters piled on the table, joked a little, then pulled out a chair and sat down across from Kayneth.

"Hmph, for a true Lord, these trivial matters are nothing."

Kayneth snorted softly, looking at Roy sitting opposite him, and calmly asked.

"What's wrong? Did you come to see me for something? Is there a problem in your magical studies, or are you just tired of being cooped up here every day and want to leave?"

He felt a bit anxious, genuinely worried that the kid might leave.

"Well, there is indeed something."

Roy nodded, placing his hands on the table, his eyes showing a serious expression.

"Professor Kayneth, I have something I want to ask for your help with."

"Oh?"

Kayneth raised an eyebrow, suppressing the excitement in his heart, and asked nonchalantly, "What do you want me to help you with?"

Kayneth's inner feelings were far from the calm he presented; he could even say he was barely able to contain his joy.

This was the first time Roy had proactively sought his help, and it was also a great opportunity for Kayneth to owe him a favor. Therefore, no matter what Roy wanted, Kayneth would unconditionally mobilize the resources of the Archibald family to provide him with the necessary assistance.

This was also a necessary investment in terms of principal.

Roy had no idea what Kayneth was calculating in his mind. He pointed to his own eyes and then said, "The miracles surrounding the European continent, the Mystic Eyes Collection Train, Professor Kayneth, as someone from a great noble family, you must know about it."

"The Mystic Eyes Collection Train..."

Hearing this name, Kayneth's expression changed slightly, and his action of setting down the teacup paused momentarily.

"Where did you hear that name?"

----

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