Fate/Gamer

Chapter 3

Germany

-1994-

(Einzbern Castle)

Ambition collected over a millennium encircled the darkness. In response to the Einzbern family head's call, Emiya Kiritsugu and Irisviel hurried to the old castle in Einzbern, where they found the ceremonial chamber—a magnificent but gloomy space—sealed off by ice.

This was not a location to thank the gods for their favour or to find calm for the spirit. The prayer room in this magi-inhabited fortress was where rituals including sacrifices were performed for magecraft purposes.

In front of the sacrifice altar stood the ancient magus, the monarch of this wintry fortress, waiting for Kiritsugu and Irisviel. Acht, also known as Jubstacheit von Einzbern, was the eighth head of the Einzbern family.

Thanks to constant life extension, he had led the Einzbern family for almost two centuries, since they shifted their attention from the Grail to the Grail War. Kiritsugu was unaware of the Justizia period, but elderly man Acht had experienced the anguish of defeat numerous times since the start of the second Heaven's Feel.

The stress of taking advantage of this third chance must be enormous for him. He had accepted Emiya Kiritsugu, the infamous Magus Killer, into the Einzbern family nine years prior, only because of Kiritsugu's extraordinary skills.

"This morning, the holy relic we searched for in Cornwall has finally arrived."

"With this as a catalyst, it would be possible to summon the strongest heroic spirit of the sword. Think of this as the Einzbern family's greatest gift to you, Kiritsugu."

"I am deeply grateful, dear head of the family." Pretending to be indifferent, Kiritsugu bowed deeply. The Grail appeared to have embraced the Einzbern family's breaking of the rules from its inception and introduction of outside blood.

Three years ago, Kiritsugu's right hand displayed the Command Seal. He would soon carry out the fervent thousand-year-old yearning of the Einzbern family and take part in the fourth holy grail war, which is soon to take place.

The old head of the family turned his eyes to Irisviel, who lowered her gaze respectfully.

"Irisviel, what is the vessel's status?"

"There aren't any issues. It will operate normally even in Fuyuki."

Irisviel replied with ease. The wish-granting machine, the omnipotent chalice, was only a spiritual entity and did not possess a physical form. It has to create a Holy Grail vessel so that its Holy Grail form can descend. One may also refer to this conflict between the seven Servants of the Holy Grail as a spiritual evocation rite.

The Einzbern family has always been in charge of assembling a man-made Grail vessel since the start of Heaven's Feel. In this fourth war, the responsibility fell to Irisviel.

She has to be on the battlefield, therefore she and Kiritsugu have to depart for Fuyuki. With a grave nod, old man Acht's eyes gleamed with unnatural vigour.

"This time, none must survive. Take out the six servants! We need to obtain the Golden Grail, the Third Magic, this time."

"Yes sir!"

******

Irisviel and Kiritsugu retired to their rooms. They were enthralled with what they found within the large box that the head of the family had entrusted to them. 

"Who would have guessed? They truly succeeded in locating this item." 

Even the normally calm Kiritsugu appeared to be genuinely impressed.