Aozaki Aoko Case File

Credits: Dylan MISAK

The starlight of the Holy Sword fell like a waterfall, crashing from the heavens to the earth.

The surrounding air trembled as Excalibur's attack descended like a meteor strike—unstoppable, engulfing Berserker and his fighter jet. Even in his madness, Berserker relied on his unparalleled martial skill and astonishing combat instincts, drawing his sword in a desperate attempt to resist the overwhelming power. However, the torrent of light did not waver in the slightest against the black knight.

As the attack struck the ground, a trench hundreds of meters long was carved into the earth. The force ruptured underground water pipes, causing vast amounts of water to evaporate instantly and creating a dense, sprawling mist. Berserker and the fighter jet under his control seemed to have been vaporized entirely by the Knight King's Holy Sword, leaving not so much as a trace of debris behind.

The sheer power of Artoria's strike was undeniable, yet as far as Noble Phantasms go, this still did not represent its true form.

From his chariot, the King of Conquerors, Iskandar, watched the scene intently, evaluating whether he could withstand such an attack were he the target. Judging by the sheer intensity of the strike, his Gordius Wheel would certainly not survive. However, that did not mean he was without means to counter Saber's Holy Sword.

For now, Iskandar assessed the Knight King as exceptionally powerful, though her capabilities beyond this devastating sword strike—her close combat skills and other abilities—remained a mystery. Further probing would be necessary.

What he did not know, however, was that Artoria's previous attack was not the full release of her Noble Phantasm but merely a charged heavy strike, powered by the energy supply system Aoko Aozaki had established through the leyline at Ryuudou Temple.

This version of Artoria was far removed from the youthful form of the original timeline. She now wielded the true Holy Sword of the Stars, bound by thirteen seals. If these restraints were fully released through specific rituals, a single strike could erase an entire nation from the face of the Earth.

Of course, such immense power came with limitations. The number of seals that could be released depended on the nature of the enemy. Only against "enemies of the stars" or "threats to humanity" would the sword reveal its full, terrifying form.

Interestingly, if Aoko herself were to become such an "enemy," it could very well trigger the release of all thirteen seals. After all, when it comes to magic, those who understand… understand.

"Hmm, this mad dog has ruined my evening's entertainment," said Gilgamesh, watching from the sky. "You mongrels got lucky tonight. I'll let you live a few more days."

Without waiting for a response, the King of Heroes departed, flying off in his Vimana.

"We should retreat as well, Lancer. Rider!"

After careful consideration, Kayneth concluded that now was not the time to clash with Marisbury and Aoko Aozaki. A more detailed strategy would be required.

Karna flew back to his Master's side and nodded in acknowledgment.

Iskandar, too, saw little point in remaining on a battlefield already devastated by the residual energy of Artoria's attack. To risk exposing his Master to further danger would be foolish.

After everything that had occurred tonight, Waver Velvet could not wait to retreat to his room, where he could hide and rest, hoping to forget the trauma his soul had endured.

With unanimous agreement, there was no reason to linger. Iskandar tugged on the reins of his divine bulls, turning his Gordius Wheel away from the battlefield.

"Well then, Knight King, King Solomon, it seems our battle will have to wait until next time," Iskandar called out. "Farewell!"

With that, the divine bulls roared, pulling the chariot away from the ruined field.

King Solomon, seeing all his opponents retreat, activated an anti-summoning ritual and recalled his Nine Pillars into his body.

"It seems tonight's incident ends here," Aoko said, taking in the devastation around her. She turned to Marisbury and added, "I'm afraid the overseers of Fuyuki City and the Holy Church are going to have their hands full tomorrow."

"Ah, you're right," Marisbury sighed. "With things escalating this far, I expect both the Mage's Association and the Holy Church will send investigators."

"Hmm?" Aoko raised an eyebrow. "You and El-Melloi came here, and the Association doesn't know?"

"Well, they know," Marisbury replied, spreading his hands helplessly, "but not all the details. It seems some within the Association's leadership have sealed off intelligence regarding the Holy Grail War."

"Alright, then. So, what's next? Do we talk business?" Aoko asked casually. Artoria, having returned her Holy Sword to Avalon, stood silently by her side. "I've always been open to collaborations."

"That's excellent," Marisbury said with a genuine smile. "Allow me to introduce the Astronomical Department's current research project—Chaldeas, a pseudo-Earth environmental model."

"Let's find another place to discuss this in detail, Ms. Aoko Aozaki."

...

After Aoko and Artoria left the battlefield with Marisbury and King Solomon, in the basement of a certain residence, Zouken Matou scowled at the sight before him. Berserker's body was tattered, his helmet destroyed.

The fool had inexplicably been enraged by Aoko Aozaki's Saber and had broken free of his control spells. Zouken had intended to exploit the chaos to eliminate one or two Servants, but Berserker had been soundly defeated in less than a single round. Worthless.

Still, it was of no major consequence. As long as he had not yet been exposed to that King, tonight's events were not a complete failure.

With this thought, Zouken smiled. Casually waving his hand, he summoned a black liquid that seeped in from all directions, enveloping Berserker and slowly pulling him underground.

Repairing Berserker would take time, but Zouken began to ponder his next move. To solidify his position, he would need the Holy Grail's magical energy. With the Grail in his possession, he could summon the rest of the Demon Pillars into this timeline.

The greatest obstacles in his path were that King and Aoko Aozaki, the Magician of the Fifth.

If he could seize control of the Hero King's Command Seals, he might just gain the power to challenge them.

As for the King of Conquerors, the Lancer, and the elusive Assassin? They were mere trifles.