Fate/Ultimate Antagonist

[69] I'm Not Him

"Optimizing the externalized magic circuit to replace your entire spine..."

"...When you first proposed this crazy idea, Rein, I was truly taken aback."

With fair fingertips, she twirled a classic Marlboro cigarette.

A wisp of smoke floated, undulating in the moonlight.

The woman with red hair stood at the top of the tower, the cool night breeze gently brushing her forehead.

Her short hair was tied into a neat ponytail behind her head, dressed in a simple white blouse. Her tangerine-colored eyelids drooped slightly as she looked down at the bustling city below her feet.

Norwich.

Belonging to the urban center of the Modern Magecraft Department.

Each academic discipline at the Clock Tower had its own urban center. Eleven cities surrounded the central Clock Tower main city like satellites.

Each urban center also boasted a tower modeled after a grand clock tower, the tallest structure in the city.

In other words.

This was the... pinnacle of this world, overlooking the entire city.

"To be able to rent out the entire clock tower as a magical workshop, how rich must you be..."

Touko Aozaki tilted her gaze slightly, looking at the black-haired youth beside her.

The woman gazed at him with amber eyes, licking her lips, her expression somewhat ambiguous.

As a puppeteer, Touko Aozaki didn't place much value on assets and belonged to the kind of wealthy individuals who spend money as soon as they get it.

However, she enjoyed being around people who could earn money.

This guy in front of her.

He looked decent and could earn money.

But... she liked him anyway.

Listening to the other's question.

Reinhard recalled setting up his private fund.

But it was just investing in some companies based on his past life's experience, and he couldn't quite remember those fluctuating numbers now.

"It should barely be enough to help the professor pay off his debts..."

"Tsk... That stubborn Waver, refusing free lunch? If it were me, I'd already be clinging to my disciple's thigh and begging for favors, never refusing to take advantage."

"Anyway, just pay me double my overtime fee. Two days ago at this time, I was clearly sunbathing in Hawaii."

"So hardworking..."

Reinhard smiled as he said...

"Then I'll pay you double."

"You..."

Amidst the bustling evening breeze, Touko Aozaki exhaled a puff of smoke.

"Have you considered, Rein, that replacing your entire spine with an externalized magic circuit isn't just a reversible surgical procedure?"

"Moreover... even I can't guarantee a hundred percent success rate for the surgery. You could end up paralyzed, or partially paralyzed."

"No, I should say, I have confidence in my skills, but the crucial factor lies in whether your body can withstand it. That's the most important thing, you know, rejection reactions are fatal."