Fate/Magus Path

Through a deep and wide tunnel, and passing beneath a bridge where only criminals dare to tread.

This place is not the Clock Tower but an area located beneath the British Museum.

To ordinary people, this area is just a storage site for historical documents and archaeological structures with great historical significance. But to magus the significance of this place goes far beyond its surface appearance.

While the exterior is the grand British Museum, below it hides a vast complex of buildings.

In some hidden rooms of the British Museum, there are tunnels known only to insiders.

These tunnels lead to the headquarters of the Department of Policies, one of the twelve divisions of the Clock Tower.

However, the scale of this hidden complex is truly staggering, with its grandeur and design far surpassing that of the museum above.

If you were to compare it with the vastness of this underground complex, even the main Clock Tower building outside would appear humble.

It's no surprise... this is the Barthomeloi family, known as the nobility among nobles. Their wealth and influence are so immense that they've even built their judicial headquarters with such grandeur.

Though the Department of Policies's impressive architecture might seem to be purely for show, it's not just about appearances.

Some of the more modest-looking buildings here actually imprison dangerous individuals from the world of magecraft, guilty of unforgivable crimes.

Whether they are Dead Apostles, heretics, or Phantasmal Species, this place holds and contains them. To magus and phantasmal species, this building complex is a notorious containment facility. Because of this, insiders often refer to this area as a prison for phantasmal species.

Looking across the entire Clock Tower, it is probably only the Barthomeloi family that possesses the manpower and wealth to manage such a place.

According to the Clock Tower's standards for criminal punishment, Roy would naturally be considered among the most heinous criminals, especially with the unforgivable crime of disrupting the very foundation of magecraft itself.

The punishment for such a crime?

Stripping away his freedom, destroying his consciousness, and turning him into a specimen preserved in formaldehyde, in what is known as Sealing Designation.

However, thanks to this incident, Eulyphis has drawn most of the fire away from Roy. He has been regarded by the Department of Policies's Sealing Designation Executors as the mastermind behind the disturbance of London's ley lines.

Roy and his two assistants were also brought here as accomplices to face judgment by the Department of Policies. As for Artoria, she remained in spirit form beside them, hidden from the Executors who were incapable of observing her.

In the eyes of the Clock Tower's Lords, the cause of the ley line disturbance across all of London was believed to be Eulyphis, who had conducted some kind of unsanctioned magical experiment.

Thus, they quickly dispatched Executors to interrogate Eulyphis.

When they were surrounded on the road by several Sealing Designation Executors from the Department of Policies, Eulyphis calmly stepped out of the car. Looking at the heavily armed Executors encircling him, he offered no defense, only allowing them to lead the way.

He would explain everything to the other Lords himself.

And who are the Sealing Executors?

If the Barthomeloi are magus who govern other magus then Sealing Designation Executors are magus who punish other magus.

They are the magus elite, belonging to the Department of Policies. Each of them is highly proficient in both magecraft and combat techniques, with formidable skills in battle. Many of them, though not the most talented in magecraft, are akin to Emitya Kiritsugu, skilled in the use of modern weaponry to assist in combat. They cannot be measured by ordinary magical standards.

With their involvement, it's clear that the final judgment has already been made. The Clock Tower has decided to take action, and at this point, no amount of argument will make a difference.

Eulyphis had no intention of arguing. Even if the Executors hadn't come for him, he would've gone to the Department of Policies himself.

The transformation of the world of magecraft has already begun, and no one can afford to be absent.

The coming storm will reshape the Clock Tower's power structure.

And we… are all participants in it.

...

"I... can go with you."

Faced with several Executors surrounding him with their Mystic Codes, Eulyphis said this very calmly.

His words shocked the Executors, who had already prepared to take action. They exchanged glances, expressions filled with disbelief.

Though confident in their abilities and having brought the highest-grade Mystic Codes for this mission, they knew their opponent was an old Lord from the Department of Spiritual Evocation. His power and expertise far surpassed that of younger Lords like Kayneth... this was Eulyphis, a veteran Lord of the Department of Spiritual Evocation.

If it came to a fight, even if they joined forces, they were not certain they could successfully apprehend him. In fact, there was a real possibility they could all perish here.

"Are you serious?" The lead Executor asked, doubting his own ears.

But the situation was indeed strange...

Eulyphis merely glanced at him coldly and said again, "Don't make me say it a third time."

"Lead the way... I will explain what happened during this time to them."

His words were startling, and the Executors had not expected Eulyphis to cooperate so easily.

They knew these Lords came from noble families and were immensely proud. Their magical prowess and strength justified their arrogance.

Even the specially modified combat puppets they had deployed were destroyed within three minutes... so quickly that the report hadn't even had time to come through.

Facing such unprecedented circumstances, even these Executors, who prided themselves on punishing magus felt troubled.

They had braced themselves for a fierce battle with Eulyphis. If things went wrong and casualties mounted, they had planned to retreat and return with reinforcements to deal with him.

Yet the situation unfolded like a strange fantasy.

He had agreed.

So easily, he surrendered and was willing to go with them.

Everyone felt as though this development was unreal.

"What's wrong... are you deaf to my words?" Eulyphis's eyes turned sharp.

"Do you need me to treat those useless ears of yours?"

The atmosphere grew tense.

"We wouldn't dare." Finally, the lead Executor bowed his head and answered.

"Then lead the way... and remember, I won't say this a third time."

With that, Eulyphis gave them a cold glance, then opened the car door and returned inside.

"Understood."

Seeing the Lord submit so easily felt surreal, but the Executors did not dare speak any further.

No one wanted to risk their lives to battle a veteran Lord.

Their mission was simply to bring Eulyphis to the Department of Policies. Once they delivered him to headquarters, even if Eulyphis changed his mind later, it would no longer be their problem.

So the Executors exchanged knowing nods and began driving to lead the way.

As the car began to move, Roy, who had remained inside the entire time, looked through the window at the car ahead before turning his gaze back to Eulyphis. He asked, "Is everything in order, Lord Eulyphis?"

"Rest assured... I've already had my son-in-law contact the Department of Mineralogy, the Department of Astromancy, and many noble families that are affiliated with us. Together with the forces of my department... we can take action at any time."

The Department of Astromancy...

Hearing that name, Roy paused for a moment. He was quite familiar with this department.

The first director of Chaldea, the Human Order Preservation Organization, had come from the Department of Astromancy of the Clock Tower, one of the twelve prestigious families... the Animusphere.

He hadn't expected that even they were contemplating rebellion... no, more likely reform.

But it didn't matter. To Roy, none of it mattered.

"Very well. Inform them to proceed as usual. Stay calm, composed, and remain in your positions, waiting for the right moment."

"Do not panic, and do not fear. As long as you follow me, then..."

Roy's gaze became serious, his tone calm. "There will be no enemies ahead of us."

"Understood... Lord Roy."

Eulyphis bowed his head in response.

...

*Click* *Click* *Click*

In the narrow, dark hallway, the clear sound of footsteps echoed.

"So, where exactly are you taking me now?" Roy squinted slightly, looking at the young woman in a sharp suit walking ahead of him, asking a question he already knew the answer to.

"Weren't you supposed to take me to a waiting room to wait for Lord Eulyphis' return? But this path feels more like it's leading to a basement or something."

"Shut up, idiot!"

She glared fiercely at Roy. As an Executor, she clearly had no intention of showing kindness to the criminal she was tasked with handling.

The man in the suit following behind them also remained silent, merely walking behind Roy while keeping an eye on him. He had a special blade hidden up his sleeve, prepared in case Roy tried anything suspicious.

This man and woman were both Executors assigned to a Sealing Designation, one leading the way and the other monitoring him, with enough weapons to ensure no funny business. It was obvious to anyone that something wasn't right, but by now, it was already too late.

Once you reach this place, your life is no longer in your control.

This was the headquarters of the Department of Policies, where no one could act recklessly... not even Lords.

Roy simply smiled, unbothered, as he followed them in the middle, letting these two officials lead the way.

They finally stopped in front of a room, and the woman opened the door, revealing a dim, yellowish-lit interior.

From the perspective of the room's contents, it was clear this had nothing to do with an office or waiting room. The flickering yellow lightbulb hanging from the ceiling, the shackles on the wall, and the bloodstains on the floor all made it obvious this wasn't a pleasant place.

An interrogation room, no doubt.

So what would happen next...

"Ugh!"

Before Roy could react, the woman in the suit suddenly turned around and punched him in the stomach.

The punch sent Roy collapsing to the ground, likely breaking a few ribs or damaging his spine. His body trembled in agony as though his limbs had been severed, filling the room with painful screams.

At least, that's what she thought.

Her companion remained indifferent, silently watching as she continued to torment the fallen man, allowing her to start her interrogation.

She twisted limbs, cut into flesh with a blade, and let blood flow across the floor... her methods were cruel but skilled.

All the while, she kept asking questions about what had happened on Glastonbury.

The cries of her companion's anger and pleas for mercy went unheard.

After about ten minutes, Roy decided that was enough.

*Swish*

Accompanied by a sharp sound cutting through the air, a flash of crimson sprayed into the air.

In the blink of an eye, the female Executor's head was sent flying into the air by a swift arc of mercury light, her body collapsing beside her companion's.

So focused was she on her task, her expression remained serious even in death, so serious that she didn't even realize she had been killed.

Shaking off the blood from the mercury blade, Roy looked down at the man, who had been tortured nearly to death by his own companion.

The person who killed the female Executor was Roy. And the one being tortured on the ground had always been the male Executor in Roy's view... the female Executor's perception had been altered.

In her eyes, the man had been knocked down by his own companion and then tormented, screaming in pain and yelling things like.

"What are you doing?!"

"Are you insane?!"

But she couldn't hear him because Roy had confused her senses, making her hear only the screams he wanted her to.

The faint scent of flowers and the blue butterflies reflected in her pupils were the perfect proof.

From the moment she encountered Roy, she had fallen into his illusion and was in his grasp until the moment of her death.

The illusions taught by the Magus of Flowers were not something that could be broken by mere words.

Roy crouched down, smiling gently at the thin man on the ground who was still struggling and screaming in panic, "What did you do?!"

"I apologize for interrupting your journey to death." Roy said softly, "But could you answer a few of my questions first?"

"Of course, you don't really have the option to refuse."

"AAAAHHHH!!!"

The second round of interrogation in the room had only just begun.

...

At the same time, elsewhere...

In stark contrast to the narrow, dilapidated interrogation room, this was a vast and grand chamber.

A dazzling chandelier of precious gemstones hung from the high ceiling, casting an unusual light. Large, black tables were placed throughout the room, some higher, some lower, with figures of significant authority seated behind each one.

The Lords had all received invitations to gather here for this trial.

Eulyphis, who should have been one of them, was also brought to the center of the room.

The light shone down, and all eyes from around the room converged on him simultaneously.

Perhaps out of confidence, Eulyphis wasn't restrained by any magical bindings.

In front of so many Lords, no one believed that Eulyphis could cause any trouble on his own.

"Hm."

As the accused, the judge, and the jury were all gathered in the hall, a figure seated in the main chair was the first to speak.

"Lord Rufleus Nuada-Re Eulyphis of the Department of Spiritual Evocation, do you have anything to say in defense of what happened today?"

"You unauthorized the use of London's ley lines, causing a regional disturbance in the entire system. Whatever the reason, this is unforgivable. I think I don't need to elaborate on the consequences of this offense."

His severe gaze bore down, getting straight to the point.

"...No need." Eulyphis shook his head. Despite facing the Lords' judgment, his face remained fearless as he spoke bluntly, "I don't deny the matter of the London ley lines. It was indeed caused by a special spirit summoning ritual... But I'll take full responsibility for fixing the mess."

"You... have no right to judge me."

"You insolent fool! Do you understand what you've done? Your meddling nearly caused the collapse of London's entire magical environment!"

Suddenly, another voice shouted from the other side of the room.

"Even though you are one of the Twelve Lords of the Clock Tower, the crime you've committed is unforgivable."

"So, I propose we skip the trial and directly impose a Sealing Designation on Eulyphis. Furthermore, I suggest expelling his family from the Clock Tower and purging them completely!"

Another figure stood up from the table.

Eulyphis recognized the voice, his cold gaze sweeping over the familiar figure.

He knew that these were the ones who had always despised him, taking this opportunity to kick him while he was down.

But it didn't matter...

None of it mattered. No matter how much they barked, it wouldn't change the outcome...

So, he remained silent.

"Any objections?"

The surrounding Lords remained quiet. Even the figure seated in the main chair said nothing, seemingly agreeing to the proposal.

"It appears there are no objections, so... "

Just as the figure was about to pronounce judgment, his expression suddenly changed.

He saw two figures stand up from their seats and walk down the platform. Not just him, but everyone present furrowed their brows.

"Is that Lord Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald of the Department of Mineralogy, and Lord Marisbury Animusphere of the Department of Astromancy?"

"You two are stepping forward now... are you planning to defend this criminal?"

The Lord who had stood up earlier asked in a hostile tone.

"Hmph, do I need you to tell me what decisions I can make? Useless old fool."

Kayneth fired back without hesitation.

"I see you don't have many years left. Instead of questioning me here, why don't you focus on researching some magecraft to extend your own lifespan?"

"You!"

Kayneth's blunt words clearly enraged the elderly Lord behind him.

Especially because that remark had truly hit a sore spot.

"Please remain calm, everyone."

"Hm? We all know about the deep connection between Kayneth and Eulyphis that cannot be easily severed."

Another Lord stood up, a representative of the democratic faction.

"But Lord Marisbury, why are you siding with Eulyphis?"

"I'm sorry, everyone, but I cannot explain my reasons. However, this time, I have chosen to stand with Lord Eulyphis."

Marisbury shook his head helplessly in response to the questioning from this prominent figure.

"I see... I didn't expect this to involve three Lords. Quite surprising indeed."

"Hmph, three Lords, is it? It still doesn't matter. Even if we were to vote, we have an overwhelming majority on our side."

Another figure suddenly spoke up.

"So, your objections are invalid. The trial will proceed!"

"The sentence is a Sealing Designation for Eulyphis, along with the liquidation of the Department Spiritual of Evocation and his faction."

Finally, the figure seated in the highest position delivered the final verdict.

As the judgment was passed, there was a sudden sound,

"I disagree... "

A somewhat jarring voice of dissent echoed through the hall, reverberating throughout the meeting chamber.

All the Lords were momentarily stunned, then collectively turned their heads toward the source of the voice. Yet, all they saw was darkness... there was no sign that the door had been opened.

But in the next moment, every hair on their bodies stood on end.

It felt as though something foreign had slipped into their midst, like a tiny impurity in a glass of syrup... impossible to describe, yet undeniably unsettling.

Cold sweat began to drip down their necks as the atmosphere grew unbearably tense.

It was only then that they noticed... somehow, without anyone realizing, there was now a person standing beside Eulyphis. They hadn't sensed his presence at all, as if he had merged with the air itself.

What on earth was going on?

Quickly, a unique and pervasive sense of unease enveloped them all.

But the young man who had suddenly appeared didn't make any alarming moves. He simply waved at them and smiled, greeting everyone in a familiar tone.

"Good afternoon, esteemed Lords."

He first introduced himself with a polite smile.

"My name is Roy."

"As an uninvited guest and the orchestrator of this event, I had planned to quietly watch this farce come to an end. But this childish judgment is far too dull to be entertaining."

"So, all you who wish to judge me... would you be interested in letting me join in as well?"

He smiled as he spoke, his tone calm, though there was an unmistakable firmness in his words.

This wasn't a request... it was a statement.

Everyone in the room was a seasoned power player, well-versed in reading between the lines.

And so, as Roy finished speaking, the entire courtroom fell into a chilling silence.

----

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