Aozaki Aoko Case File

The moment Aoko stepped into the Greater Grail, she realized that both Touko and Artoria were no longer by her side. Surrounding her was an endless expanse of white—a strange, boundless space.

However, she knew this wasn't the Swirl of the Root, but rather the interior of the Greater Grail. Someone was about to appear to meet her.

"Well, well, this is quite something," a soft, gentle voice echoed in Aoko's ears. "Though I already knew, it's still rare to see a Magician appear in a place like this."

Aoko turned her head to see a woman with a face identical to Irisviel's but wearing the Heaven's Dress, the strange outfit that seemed ready to unravel any moment. She looked at Aoko curiously, like a playful, innocent girl.

"I killed Emiya Kiritsugu. Aren't you angry?" Aoko asked, scrutinizing this Irisviel.

"Kiritsugu, huh..."

Irisviel's expression turned a little melancholic, as though recalling something from the past. "He was always that kind of person. I understand that very well now."

"Besides," she continued with a playful wink, "I may be Irisviel, but Irisviel is not me. So, in my heart, Kiritsugu does not occupy such an important place."

"Justeaze Lizrich von Einzbern," Aoko said, addressing her. "The only person to have fully realized the Third Magic."

"To be precise," Justeaze corrected, "my connection to the original Third Magician is much like Irisviel's connection to me. In other words, whether it's me, Irisviel, or even the one by your side, we are all part of the Third Magician."

The King of Quincy, huh? Aoko mused internally.

"Time's almost up." Justeaze's soft voice surrounded Aoko as she somehow appeared behind her, gently wrapping her arms around Aoko's shoulders. "So, Miss Magician who already has her answer, what is your wish?"

"Money, of course," Aoko replied bluntly, mimicking the gesture of counting bills. "After all, research is expensive."

"What?" Justeaze was bewildered by Aoko's answer. "No, wait, is this the wish I should expect from a Magician?"

"The real wish of the Aozaki family is with Touko-chan," Aoko said nonchalantly. "I'm just here for the ride."

"I don't know what's going on over there," Justeaze shook her head while placing a hand over her chest, "but here, I'm someone who exists just for you."

"Well then, it's time to grant your wish…"

Justeaze von Einzbern's figure slowly faded away in front of Aoko, replaced by a mist resembling golden sand that gathered from all directions. The mist swirled and condensed until it formed something that looked like a massive golden crystal vein.

Seriously? This is how you give money? Aoko thought, hesitating as she stared at the golden crystal. She wasn't sure if she should take it.

"Don't worry~" Justeaze's voice echoed in her ears as if reading Aoko's mind. "It only looks like Rheingold. There's no curse attached to it. It's simply the result of granting your wish for wealth using the method you know."

"Will the gold run out?" Aoko asked curiously.

"When the Greater Grail's accumulated magical energy is exhausted," Justeaze replied meaningfully, "which won't happen anytime soon."

Aoko nodded, satisfied with the reward. Without hesitation, she used the Treasury of Leomund, to store the golds.

"Until we meet again, Miss Magician…"

As the farewell came, Aoko detected a strange unfamiliarity in the voice, as though it wasn't the same Justeaze she had just spoken to. Before she could ponder further, her vision began to blur, prompting her to close her eyes.

When she reopened them, she was back in King Solomon's Grand Temple. Kayneth El-Melloi, the Chaldea pair, and Marisbury Animusphere were all looking at her with curiosity, eager to know what the interior of the Greater Grail was like.

"It's done," Aoko said, making an "OK" gesture toward Marisbury. "In a while, Chaldea will get its funding."

Marisbury let out a sigh of relief and smiled warmly, thanking Aoko. Meanwhile, King Solomon silently stared at the Greater Grail with his usual expressionless face.

Just as Ritsuka Fujimaru was about to approach Aoko to ask about the interior of the Greater Grail, the golden mist began to flow out from the entrance of the Greater Grail. The mist quickly swirled into a roughly spherical vortex, gradually shrinking into the shape of a slender figure.

Before the figure could fully take form, Aoko quickly pulled out a white cloak and wrapped it around the figure.

"Welcome back," Aoko said gently to the golden figure in her arms.

The figure, formed from mist, trembled slightly when she heard Aoko's words. Gradually, it solidified into the appearance of a young Touko Aozaki.

"Materialization of the soul!" Kayneth exclaimed excitedly. "Is this the great achievement of the Third Magic? Truly..."

"Gentlemen, please don't stare—it's impolite," Aoko said coldly. "I wouldn't mind taking measures to make things unpleasant."

The men in the room quickly turned away at her warning, while Mash and Ritsuka approached to help Aoko dress the still-sleeping Touko.

"Here, this is for you." Aoko handed the golden Holy Grail to Ritsuka with a casual tone. "Now our agreement is fulfilled."

"Thank you, Miss Aoko!" Ritsuka said happily, holding the Grail. "This is the easiest Singularities I've ever resolved. I wonder what Dr. Romani will think of this?"

"Doctor will probably celebrate not having to work overtime, Senpai!" Mash said. "He always worked so hard during the other Singularities."

As the group happily discussed their next plans, a shadow appeared in a corner of the Grand Temple. The shadow's gaze locked onto Marisbury's back, hatred boiling within its heart.