The Tyrant

II: Plans

"So, let me see if I'm understanding this all correctly."

"Alrighty then."

"First, you are a Divine Spirit- an existence that likens to that of a god- who has manifested as a Lancer Class Servant."

"Yep."

"The various cards I have actually contain the spirits and powers of various other Servants, some of which can destroy the planet in a single attack."

"Yep."

"And we are now in a Master/Servant relationship?"

"Oi, oi, you're thinking something dirty over there, aren't you?"

"Yes."

Caenis let out a sigh, rolling her eyes as she ate another crisp while laying across my bed. "I'll explain it one more time, so you better listen this time, got it!?"

"Right!"

"These cards," she held up one of the cards- a lancer- as she spoke, "Are known as Class Cards. Within them are the powers of Heroic Spirits, those who have etched their names into history. A good example would be someone like King Arthur. Depending on their deeds in life, Heroic Spirits can fall into multiple classes. Of course, some spirits also come from parallel worlds where things are different. King Arthur is, again, a good example. A world where he became a ruthless tyrant instead of the just King of Knights. With me so far?"

"Yes."

"Good," she nodded. "Now, while the relationship between you and the spirits is called a 'Master/Servant' relationship, it's purely symbolic and it's more like a partnership than anything else. You summon us, and provide us with magical energy. In exchange, we fight for you and fulfil your will, so long as it doesn't go against our morals."

"Then why is it called Master/Servant?"

"Because of those," she pointed to my left hand, prompting me to look as my eyes widened in surprise.

On the back of my hand were what seemed to be red tattoos, in the shape of a pair of wings.

"The fuck!?"

"Those are known as Command Seals. Or spells, depends on who you ask," she shrugged. "Anyway, those are absolute commands you can give to Servants that they must obey. Of course, if you have a high enough magic resistance and will you can fight off the command spell for a period of time."

"Any limitations?"

She gave me a grin. "Good to see you're not an idiot. Yes. While being called 'Absolute,' Command Seals are not actually so. If you give orders that are too vague, you dampen the effects. For example, you could tell me 'Obey my orders,' but all it does is make me initially inclined to do what you say, it's still easy to fight it off. But, on the other hand, if you said 'Use all of your strength to kill this person,' then the command will be much more effective and allow me to use the peak of my power with ease to kill someone for you."

"So, I should use command seals more like buffs is what you're saying?"

She nodded. "That's right, though your command seals are special."

"Huh?"

"Usually, you get 3 command spells per Servant," she said. "But that's just stupid for you, considering your entire body would be covered in Command Seals."

I gulped at the thought of that.

"Thankfully, you don't have to worry about that," she said. "Instead, your command seals regenerate over time. One seal regenerates at midnight every day... Though that still isn't a reason to waste them, got it!?"