Fate: Hero of Justice Takeover-Chapter 208: [] Consuming the Dragon’s Heart

When Sakatsuki left the library, he sent messages to Waver and Melvin through his familiar, inviting them to his home for a discussion.

Even though both of them knew that once Sakatsuki released the news about the "Golden Apple," the already precarious El-Melloi family would face another storm, they still resolutely accepted the invitation.

However, one came out of trust in Sakatsuki, while the other came purely for the thrill of it, ready to embrace death for the sake of pleasure.

"Thank you both for coming. There's still some time before sunset, so let me get straight to the point." After meeting with the two, Sakatsuki cut to the chase.

"Through Melvin's teachings, the analysis in your thesis, Waver, and the extensive reading I've done on magecraft over the past few days, I've finally gained some insight into the magecraft I want to create. Now, I need your opinions."

"I accept," Melvin said without hesitation. "Witnessing the creation of a genius is a rare experience. Besides, aside from being wealthy, the only thing of value I have is my profession as a tuner. Since you've invited me, it means your new magecraft will involve tuning abilities... Ah, just thinking about it excites me."

"I don't have much reason to refuse either. After all, I'm also curious about what kind of magecraft you'll create," Waver said, though his face showed reluctance, his words betrayed his true feelings.

"Thank you both." Sakatsuki spread his hands, and different magical particles manifested in his palms. "Then, let's begin."

Sakatsuki's residence was located in a remote corner of the El-Melloi family's territory, a sparsely populated area perfect for a magus who preferred solitude.

But tonight, the shouts of two men broke the usual tranquility.

"A tuner is a specialist who adjusts Magic Crests, a doctor who suppresses the rejection reactions caused by Crest transplants... And you want to use this rare ability for killing? Heresy, absolute heresy! Hahaha, this is incredibly interesting!"

"Don't talk to me about the uses of transposition and projection. You're already brushing against the edges of the First Magic! This is impossible! I've heard about your Reality Marble from Rider, and it's completely unrelated... What? Conceptual level? Damn it, you annoying geniuses!"

"Musical instruments? I play the violin. Huh? You can play the piano too? Perfect, let's perform a duet tonight... Unlucky? Why? Is the combination of these two instruments taboo in some magecraft field? Your Lie in April? What's that?"

...

"WHAT! DID! YOU! SAY!"

Waver's voice nearly reached the pitch it had during the Fourth Holy Grail War. His eyes widened as he grabbed Sakatsuki's shoulders.

"You plan to consume a dragon's heart tonight? A dragon's heart! Is it what I think it is? The heart of a high-ranking phantasmal dragon? Wait, wait... Forget about how casually you're revealing such a secret, where did you even get this? Dragons no longer exist in this world!"

"Oh, you didn't know?" Sakatsuki's expression was the picture of innocence. "Saber is the Red Dragon of Britain, you know?"

"Don't lie to me! Servants are familiars made of magical energy. The fact that the Golden Apple from Archer's treasury could be brought out is already a miracle. Saber only has a spiritual core, not a dragon's heart!" Noticing Melvin's gaze, Waver's hands stiffened slightly, and he quickly released Sakatsuki. "Sorry, that was presumptuous of me."

No matter how close their relationship, it was taboo to pry into another magus's secrets. Cases of magi killing friends and family to protect their secrets were all too common.

"It's fine. I understand how precious such a thing is, which is why I've kept it hidden until now." Sakatsuki smoothly changed the subject. "But now, I need your help."

Staring at the two men with their varying expressions, Sakatsuki slowly repeated.

"I need your help, Waver, Melvin."

The charm of the beautiful youth, passive effect activated.

Judgment: Critical success!

Under Sakatsuki's clear gaze, the greed in Waver and Melvin's hearts melted away like snow. They exchanged a look and let out helpless, bitter laughs.

"I can't believe I'm losing to you. You're showing us such a treasure when we're both sickly."

"Ah, well, I owe you a favor. Tell me, what do you plan to do?"

A sincere smile flashed across Sakatsuki's face. As the shadows behind him shifted, he returned to his usual casual demeanor.

"To perform this compound magecraft, which is comparable to a forbidden spell, I need a suitable 'weapon.' Yes, something like... a weapon bathed in dragon's blood."

The heart of the Red Dragon glowed brilliantly, as the twilight of the world began to fade.

Night fell.

Standing in the center of countless magical circles in the courtyard, the white-haired, golden-eyed boy sat atop a pile of hastily delivered materials, including an ancient tree, watching his two friends leave.

"Thank you both sincerely. By the way, potions made from dragon's blood can also enhance physical strength, right...? Well, never mind that. If I delay any longer, things might get dangerous."

As he spoke, he brought the pulsating heart of the Red Dragon to his lips.

"Let's eat~"

Squelch!

Thick blood gushed out, carrying with it the dense essence of the dragon, and began to transform the boy's body.

At the same time, countless battle-specialized magi gathered in groups and began to approach the residence of the Lord.

***

Earlier in the day, the news that "the new head of the El-Melloi family possesses the Golden Apple" had spread like wildfire.

Although magi prided themselves on being above ordinary humans, the "malice" inherent in primates wasn't something that could be easily overcome.

For example, greed.

A treasure from the Age of Gods, the object of desire for three goddesses in countless myths, and the key to achieving "perfection"—for modern magi in an era of declining magical energy, this was an irresistible temptation.

While a hydra specimen was valuable, not knowing how to use it could lead to death by its toxicity. The Golden Apple, however, was different. Even consuming it directly could bring immense benefits—it was the most precious resource in the field of magecraft!

Thus, under the cover of night, countless scheming magi gathered and made their way toward the Lord's residence.

Even a Lord, standing above tens of thousands, held no deterrence in the face of greed.

How much less so for the already crumbling El-Melloi family?

"Let's see... a second-level lecturer from the Spiritual Evocation Department, combat-specialized puppets from Barthomeloi, a famous mercenary who's actually a black operative under the Department of Law... Oh ho, even my own family, Trambelio, has sent someone. This is getting serious..."

By now, Waver and Melvin had already retreated from Sakatsuki's residence and were observing everything from a distance. Melvin kept adjusting his far-seeing magecraft, searching for the lurking assassins, his mouth clicking in fascination.

"So many magi. It seems Sakatsuki will have his hands full. Hey, Waver, why don't you seem worried at all?"

"That's because you don't know how powerful he truly is." Lord El-Melloi II leaned against the wall, resting with his eyes closed, and spoke calmly. "These are just second-rate amateurs, a simple probe. If Sakatsuki shows any sign of weakness, the real forces will swarm in like hyenas."

"But that's exactly why he can slaughter them without restraint." The sickly tuner smiled. "If the main forces of the Lords are wiped out, the El-Melloi family won't gain prestige—instead, they'll be left isolated and helpless."

"Tch, that's why I hate these pointless political games." Waver scoffed impatiently.

"These fools probably haven't realized that time isn't on their side—"

"Once Sakatsuki completes his ritual, what awaits them will be merciless death."

As he spoke, someone had already breached the hastily set up bounded field and pushed open the door to Sakatsuki's residence, stepping into the courtyard.

Under the silver moonlight, the boy sat atop a pile of high-level mystical materials, his body covered in a thick layer of dried blood.

When he opened his eyes, what greeted the intruders were golden, draconic vertical pupils.

***

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