Chapter 12: Scathach

Chapter 12: Scathach

Shinji falls into madness.

"I summoned Scáthach, I summoned Scáthach, I summoned Scáthach."

"Um, Shinji?" Justeaze gently called out.

"I summoned Scáthach, I summoned Scáthach, I summoned Scáthach."

Cough, cough. Scáthach intentionally coughed twice.

"I summoned Scáthach, I summoned Scáthach, I summoned Scáthach."

The two graceful women exchanged a glance, seeing helplessness in the other's eyes.

Justeaze said, "Can we complete the contract first?"

Scáthach nodded and responded in a calm voice, "Henceforth, our destinies are intertwined, our fates coexist. Hereby, the contract is complete."

As soon as the words were spoken, the Command Seal on Shinji's hand seemed infused with vitality. The dark red patterns quickly turned bright red and were accompanied by more intense pain than when the Command Seal was first received.

This pain awakened Shinji from his ecstatic trance, and he instinctively pressed down on his forearm.

The pain came up and went quickly. When the pain eased slightly, Shinji immediately rolled up his sleeve, confirming the changes in the Command Seal.

As Justeaze had said, the Holy Stigma had transformed into a Command Spell, through which the connection with the Servant could be sensed. With the establishment of the contract, information about the servant also flowed into Shinji's mind.

Class: Assassin

True Name: Scáthach

Gender: Female

Height/Weight: 168cm/55kg

Alignment: Neutral Good

Strength: D

Endurance: D

The Second Magician, as the name suggests, wields and utilizes the Second Magic. His real name is Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg, also known as the "Kaleidoscope," the "Jewel Man," the "Grand Magus," and other titles. He is not only a magician but also a pinnacle of modern magi, standing at the top of the world. It was this ultimate boss-like figure who intentionally visited the 'Land of Shadows' and allowed Scáthach, who also stood at the pinnacle, to descend into the present world as a Servant. However, there are some unknown considerations behind this.

The joy in Shinji's heart gradually faded and was replaced by inexplicable heaviness. "May I ask why you would cooperate with the Second Magician and descend into the mortal world as a Servant?"

"To fulfill my wish—to welcome the death of a human."

When she spoke these words, Scáthach unusually appeared calm.

After many years, she has become a semi-divine, and she cannot die like a human. Whether it is a beautiful or an ugly death, perhaps she can only exist alongside the world until it fades away on the outer edges of the world.

"If the so-called Holy Grail is truly omnipotent, then it would be nice if someone who can kill me is sent."

It sounds like an incredible wish, but it is Scáthach's genuine desire. Even if Justeaze does not believe it, even if no one in the world believes it, Shinji will believe it because that is the Scáthach he knew from his previous life, the lonely queen who has been alone for thousands of years.

Shinji sincerely said, "I cannot understand your wish, and I feel sorry for it, but I am willing to help you fulfill your wish. In return, I hope you can help us fulfill our wishes."

"As you wish, my little Master," Scáthach smiled. It was the first time she had smiled since manifesting in the present world; although it was obscured by a thin veil, Shinji could tell that she was smiling.

"Before granting the wish of obtaining the Holy Grail, I hope you can promise me two things."

"Go ahead."

"First, don't call me Master, just call me by my name, Shinji."

"I promise you, Shinji."

"Second, I hope you can become my sister and uncle's teacher, instructing us in the magecraft and martial arts. Legend has it that you trained many warriors and magi, and I hope to become such a person." As Shinji spoke, he respectfully bowed to Scáthach.

Shinji, with his head lowered, did not see captivating brilliance in Scáthach's eyes. It seemed like she was recalling something from the past or igniting a long-lost passion.

"My training is very demanding."

Shinji remained in a bowing posture without moving. "I can endure it."

"My requirements for choosing disciples are high."

Shinji remained still. "I believe I can meet your requirements."

Faced with Shinji's response, the redness in Scáthach's eyes has almost overflowed. "Very well, self-confidence is a prerequisite for becoming stronger. You are qualified. From now on, you are my student."

PS: The moon goddess can interfere with the summoning of Orion and descend as an accessory, and Atalanta's falcon can see the scenery outside the world while leaping, proving that the boundary between the inside and the outside is not absolute.