Aozaki Aoko Case File

Touko set up a rudimentary Rune bounded field in the Great Cavern where the Greater Grail was located. Its primary purpose was to prevent the growing malice brewing within the Grail from leaking out. This wasn't because Aoko and Touko were altruists; rather, they didn't want any other Masters—besides Touko—to become aware of the situation with the Greater Grail.

While this method might not fool other members of the Three Families, like the Matou or Tohsaka, Aoko wasn't too concerned. Considering Tokiomi Tohsaka's knack for overlooking critical details, he likely wouldn't realize something was amiss with the Greater Grail, even after withdrawing from the Holy Grail War.

Matou Zouken, however, was a different matter. Since the old worm had been directly involved in designing the Command Seal system and parts of the Greater Grail's magic, he undoubtedly knew about the Einzbern's irregular summoning of Avenger in the last war. Aoko realized she would need to find a way to deal with Zouken and the Matou family to prevent future trouble.

She'd heard that Tokiomi once confronted Zouken, but she doubted Tokiomi could kill the old monster.

Before leaving the Great Cavern, Aoko cast Hatory Terrain, a spell from her specialized school of magic, transforming the appearance of the cavern's entrance. This illusion incorporated auditory and olfactory effects. Even if someone threw a rock at the entrance, they'd perceive it as hitting a solid "wall" and bouncing back.

The base duration of the spell was two hours, but Aoko amplified it to a sixth-level variation, ensuring that for the next six hours, no magus could detect the cavern from the outside. Though the spell's duration wasn't perfect, once Touko summoned her Servant, guarding the cavern would no longer be an issue.

Additionally, Touko deployed numerous spider-shaped dolls at the entrance. These were the same models she had used during her assassination of Cornelius Alba. Aoko watched as Touko opened a compact suitcase containing dozens of neatly folded spider drones, resembling miniature unmanned aerial vehicles.

Given the strength of the Grail War participants compared to Alba, Touko upgraded these dolls with steel pellets to enhance their explosive power.

Aoko eyed Touko with a peculiar expression.

"Are these magical dolls or terror-inducing robots? Are you sure they're not just autonomous landmines?"

"What? This is Grand-class design!"

Touko shot Aoko a glare while activating one of the drones.

"Once someone triggers my spider bombs, you'll see how 'adorable' they are! Heehee!"

"Uh... I was going to say, you're pretty modern, huh?"

Aoko remarked awkwardly.

"Better than those relics of the past, that's for sure."

"Of course! I'm Lord Valualeta's apprentice!"

Touko declared proudly. But then, recalling her role in her mentor's demise, she fell silent.

"That old woman did have her merits," Aoko said, attempting to comfort her.

"To teach a Grand like you—that's quite an honor."

Though Touko said nothing, Aoko noticed the faintest smile tugging at her lips.

Back at Ryuudou Temple, Touko meticulously prepared a summoning circle at the leyline's core using blood, mercury, and liquefied gemstones.

Though summoning compatibility often trumped material quality, Touko's pride as a Grand magus demanded excellence. She had borrowed a significant sum from Aoko to procure high-quality gems, which explained why she could never save money.

While Touko worked on the circle, Aoko borrowed the temple's kitchen to prepare dinner for the two of them, using her magic to sterilize the cookware and tableware she had brought herself. However, upon checking the fridge, she found no meat at all—typical for a temple household. Fortunately, a fresh market was located at the base of Mount Enzou. Aoko had to invisibly dash there and back, which consumed over half an hour.

Returning to the temple, she found Touko still focused on her work, her forehead slick with sweat. Aoko discreetly used a cleaning spell to dry Touko's clothes and wipe her brow before retreating to the kitchen.

By the time dinner was ready, Touko had finished the summoning circle. She stood up, admiring her work with a smug expression.

"Aoko! Bring the relic! It's summoning time!"

Touko called out.

Aoko set the food on the table, removed her apron, and picked up Avalon, which had been resting nearby. Its pristine, board-like surface had served admirably as a cutting board thanks to its unparalleled durability and self-cleaning properties.

Touko frowned as she accepted Avalon, sniffing it.

"Is there a weird smell? You didn't use this for anything strange, right?"

"Just your imagination!"

Aoko replied, feigning indignation.

"Hurry up and summon, or the food will get cold!"

Touko gave her a skeptical look but dropped the matter. She carefully positioned Avalon in the designated spot, adjusted its angle, and stepped into the summoner's position.

"Ready?"

Aoko checked her watch.

"The Hour of the Omen is approaching—it's the perfect time for a summoning ritual."

Touko took a deep breath, nodded, and raised her right hand. Her 22 finely-tuned magic circuits activated at full capacity, channeling her mana into the summoning circle, which lit up with a brilliant blue glow.