They've already fought their way through the Holy Grail War, and you still call them dragons?

Yuan Zhisheng:?

Chapter 164: Use heroic spirits to defeat heroic spirits!

Yuan Zhisheng recently felt that his sister had become a little strange.

To be precise, Eri herself seems incompatible with normal society due to her special growing environment, but recently her behavior has shown subtle differences from before.

Just the day before, Gen Chisei stood outside the intensive care unit window and saw the light in his sister's room. "Eri" lay obediently on the snow-white bed, like a butterfly trapped in a crystal ball. Her fingers gently stroked the edge of the sheets, her gaze fixed on the ceiling.

Both his appearance and demeanor were the same as usual.

But Yuan Zhisheng always felt that something was wrong.

He flipped through the latest report from the medical team. There had indeed been some subtle changes in Eri's behavior lately.

Whenever Gen Chisheng found time to visit her, Eri would always drag her brother into a game. Or when he needed her help, Gen Chisheng would play a few rounds of Street Fighter or Samurai Shodown with her as "compensation"...

But now, she no longer clutches her game controller for hours at a time, nor does she insist on dragging her brother into arcade duels. While she still plays, the frequency and duration of her time have significantly decreased. Those fighting games that once enthralled her—Street Fighter, King of Fighters, Samurai Shodown, Mortal Kombat—suddenly seem to have lost their former allure.

In fact, Eri's behavior is not because she is really obsessed with playing this game, but because her life is too simple and boring. She cannot go out to interact with others or receive more external information. Naturally, the hobbies she develops are no different from those of a stay-at-home girl, so playing games has become one of her indispensable ways to make friends and interact with others.

Recently, according to the observations of the medical team on duty, Eri still watches TV every day as usual, takes a long time to take a bath as before, and does not forget to bring her bathroom rubber duck toy before bathing. It's just that the bathing time seems to be a little longer than before.

In addition, Eri's mental state is always stable. During the time when Genjiro was away, there were no signs of degeneration and loss of control like "demonization". Her dangerous bloodline no longer caused trouble, as if it had lurked or simply disappeared.

The medical team was very interested and explained that Eri's dangerous bloodline had entered a dormant state, like a hibernating animal, which might be related to her recent peaceful state of mind.

Such examples are not uncommon among the Eight Clans of Sheqi. Many family members who are judged to have "dangerous bloodlines" are monitored by the family and subject to closed management. These dangerous bloodlines have to undergo a psychological assessment every once in a while to determine their risk of degenerating into ghosts.

Most of them have a hard time ending up well. Quite a few attempt to defect and join the fierce ghosts to become enemies, while others suffer mental breakdown and become ghosts, and are unfortunately executed by their families. Only a very small number of them remain stable throughout the entire process.

After all, not everyone is born to endure a miserable and dull life like a prison, unless they are a Zen monk or an immortal.

This was exactly what happened to Eri. Genshisei didn't understand what was happening to this girl's mind; it was as if she had undergone some kind of transformation.

Back to the present, seeing "Eri" in the conference room as if she were at ease, she blatantly sat down next to Emiya, looking obviously familiar with him.

A faint suspicion arose in Gen Chisei's mind. Could it be that Eri had secretly known Emiya without his knowledge?

"Eri, Eri."

Gen Chisei was too far away to stand up, so he lowered his voice to remind Eri that she was sitting in the wrong seat. "Your seat is for foreign guests, and you should be sitting in the seat for the head of the Uesugi family."

"Eri" glanced at Genjisei but ignored him. The next second, she lowered her head and took something out of her pocket...

Yuan Zhisheng's heart suddenly sank in his chest. He thought to himself, "Don't take out your game console and start playing in public on this occasion. What will it mean if we have a serious meeting here while listening to your game sound effects?"

However, what "Eri" took out was not a handheld game console, but her notebook. She hurriedly wrote two lines on it, then tore the small page of paper accurately and threw it. In the serious atmosphere of the meeting room, under the gaze of all the heads of the families, the paper flew through the air with an elegant trajectory and fell into the hands of Gen Chisheng.

...It was just like the arrogance of passing notes openly in the examination hall, and the two people passing the notes were not ordinary candidates, but higher-level leaders, which made the invigilators who witnessed the whole process dumbfounded and at a loss.

Yuan Zhisheng unfolded the slip of paper and saw a perfect reason already written on it:

"Ermiya is a good friend, not a foreign guest."

"We met during an online game."

Oh, so that's how it is. Minamoto Chisei's doubts about his sister's recent changes instantly dissipated. In his opinion, although Eri's social circle needed to be strictly controlled, Minamoto Chisei had come into contact with her many times and felt that Emiya was a standard decent person, so there was no risk of him leading his sister astray.

However, the previous investigation materials didn’t seem to mention that Emiya had a hobby of playing games. Maybe it was something he developed recently...?

After clearing his throat, Yuan Zhisheng finally began the formal meeting process.

At present, except for the head of the eight families who was absent due to some matters and the head of the Miyamoto family who was busy personally controlling the Ganliu Research Institute project and could not get away, the other heads of the eight families have all arrived. It can be said to be an unprecedented grand gathering.

Because even the heads of the families, not all of them are permanently stationed at the Tokyo headquarters. The industries and territories of the Eight Snake Families are spread across this island country. Many heads of families with other surnames, including their subordinates, are constantly traveling outside to guard places or manage industries for the heads of families. It is normal for them not to come back for the New Year celebrations.

The current situation was like the Warring States period, when the daimyo finally summoned their most trusted advisors and samurai to their palaces for deliberation and orders. The gates were heavily guarded, and no one was allowed in. The lower-ranking foot soldiers were forced to wait outside until the order came from above, and then they would immediately follow the samurai masters into battle.

Therefore, in such a highly confidential occasion, even Minamoto no Nakasei's close confidants, Yasha Kuroko and Sakura Yabuki were not qualified to attend or even listen from outside. However, Minamoto no Nakasei openly invited outsiders like Emiya to attend, which surprised the family heads who had not yet learned the details.

"We have gathered together this time to discuss a matter of life and death for the Eight Snake Clans."

Yuan Zhisheng noticed that some people were confused, so he brought up this rather serious topic, causing everyone to perk up, suppress their doubts, and listen carefully.

"I'm sure everyone here is familiar with the recent 'Shinjuku Incident'. However, some may not know that this was only the beginning. In fact, it is linked to the grand event called the 'Holy Grail War' that is about to engulf this city..."

Gen Chisei told the whole story of the attack on Aoi-ya that day, as well as how the subsequent blocks were severely damaged by the invading Heroic Spirits. He also showed the highly confidential on-site photos and video materials and the Heroic Spirit investigation report to the heads of the families through a projector.

"As you can see, the Shinjuku Incident was just a preview. The main force of the Holy Grail War that will follow, the beings called 'Servants', are essentially 'Heroic Spirits', and are the same type of enemies as those who appeared in the Shinjuku Incident..."

"In other words, they are the undead. They are not afraid of physical attacks from thermal weapons. They appear and disappear without a trace. Their frontal combat capability is extremely strong. Even this 'God Slayer' Emiya was unable to defeat them for a while."

Yuan Zhisheng slammed his fist on the conference table. "This is the thorny part of the situation. With our family's current strength, I'm afraid we won't be able to prevent the Holy Grail War from breaking out, or even survive it ourselves."

Even with top-level weapons like Uesugi Erie, the Snake Eight Clan cannot guarantee that they can deal with all the Heroic Spirits at the same time.

Just by looking at the extent of the destruction in Shinjuku's streets not long ago, one can imagine what kind of terrifying situation would be caused if the Eight Snake Families did nothing and allowed the seven servants to fight each other when the real Holy Grail War came. Not to mention the damage to the families, it would be a question how many roads and buildings in Tokyo would be left intact by then.

The Holy Grail War... Heroic Spirits... Servants and Masters... these various terms shook the hearts of the family heads with immense force.

Especially the older ones, Inuyama He and Fuma Kotaro, almost subconsciously wanted to deny the possibility of such an incredible event. How could such a powerful force that even the emperor-level hybrids could hardly match suddenly appear in such large numbers!?

However, all kinds of shocking data and bloody facts are already laid out before their eyes. In addition, Yuan Zhisheng, the "emperor" of the Eight Snake Families, has always been meticulous in his work, and there is no way he would joke about major matters.

Even the old man with stubborn cognition had to bow to the reality.

Fuma Kotaro couldn't help but ask the old man in the black kimono, "Young Master, you have formally summoned us. I guess you have a plan to deal with the enemy?"

After saying that, Fuma Kotaro looked at Emiya and "Eriya" who were sitting in the guest seats. From the video footage just now, it can be seen that this Emiya is an extremely powerful fighter who can compete with the Heroic Spirits, and his strategic position is no less than that of their family weapon Eriya.

If they could secure a united front with the Snake Eight Clan, it would be a timely help in stabilizing the chaos in Tokyo. Perhaps this was the deeper meaning behind Emiya's attendance?

Gen Chisei immediately understood the old man's gaze on Emiya, but he just shook his head.

His attempts to win over Emiya had had little effect when he personally took action at first, and when the head of the Sakurai family took action a second time, so he didn't expect to do anything to recruit him this time. Going back and forth too much and too frequently would cause resentment... Now inviting Emiya here was just a simple mutually beneficial transaction.

"Please rest assured," Yuan Zhisheng said solemnly.

"I have made up my mind to stop this so-called Holy Grail War from destroying Tokyo, no matter what. We cannot know what conspiracy the enemy is hiding, but at least one thing is clear: only by summoning Heroic Spirits can we better deal with them!"

"And the reason I invited Emiya here this time is precisely because he's an expert in the Holy Grail War!"

Chapter 165 Minamoto no Chisei: I will definitely be the descendant of my ancestor Minamoto no Raikou!

"An intelligence expert on the Holy Grail War...?"

Seeing the other family heads still confused and unsure of what was going on, Gen Chisei tapped his knuckles on the table, making a crisp, 'dong-dong-dong' sound. He had no choice but to continue explaining, detailing the entire process of his private meeting with Emiya and the information he had gained.

"I'm sure you've all suspected the existence of 'Heroic Spirits' and their connection to 'Odin'. Emiya-san discussed this with me during our first meeting..."

"We ultimately concluded that an organization composed of forces from various realms, including Odin and the Demonic Host, was attempting to create 'Heroic Spirits' and this 'Holy Grail War,' and it appears to have achieved considerable success so far."

"Clearly, the Shenzhou Odin incident exposed this organization's ambitions. Then, with the assistance of the Demonic Clan, they likely discovered the divine remains and jointly developed a method to wield the power of the 'gods,' thereby creating incredible heroic weapons."

"There's only one question that remains unexplained, and one we still don't know. That's the ulterior motive behind the Demonic Clan, and perhaps other potential behind-the-scenes individuals, revealing this Heroic Spirit to initiate the Holy Grail War."

"But no matter what, if the family chooses to stay out of it, it will only become the passive victim of the Servants' duels in the Holy Grail War! We can no longer hesitate, as hesitation will only lead to defeat! In order to guard against Heroic Spirits, the family must also have at least one Master qualified to summon a Heroic Spirit! I would even be willing to personally serve as the Master!"

Yuan Zhisheng spoke in a rhythmic and passionate manner. He grasped the precious sword at his waist, and stroked the chrysanthemum pattern on the mouth of the Spider-Cut scabbard with his fingertips. His eyes burned with golden flames like molten bronze, and all the heads of the families present were shocked by the determination of this contemporary movie emperor.

Because from the known Holy Grail War intelligence, we can know that the risk is the highest when the Master is the master, and the existence of the Servants needs to be maintained by the Master. Once the decision is made to participate in the Holy Grail War, the best way to eliminate the opponent is to send the Servants to assassinate the Master.

"That's why I specially invited Emiya-san to join us, hoping to gain more information about the Holy Grail War and give our family a head start... Don't worry, this is a fair deal, no favors to be considered. Regardless of whether it ultimately helps, we will reward you handsomely..."

"Emiya-san? Emiya-san?"

Genji had finally finished laying out his current intelligence and plans. He was just about to confirm Emiya's attitude towards the deal. Even if he proposed "payment first, delivery later," it would be fine...

But when he turned around, he found that Emiya and "Eriya" were burying their heads, doing something unknown. The two heads with the same red hair were put together, and their hands were fiddling with paper and pen... Emiya, ah Emiya, what on earth are you doing!

The scene at this moment was as if it was clearly class time, and the teacher was about to throw out a difficult question and ask his most proud model students to stand up and answer, but the two model students were not listening to the class at all, but were openly absent-minded and exchanging glances!

After a closer look... Emiya and "Eriya" were actually passing notes!

Although he didn't know what they were talking about, but recalling his previous thought that "Emiya probably wouldn't lead Eri astray", Gennochi decided that he should give up his fantasy and be firmly wary of anyone who tried to get close to his sister!

"Ahem!"

After repeated reminders from Gen Chisei, Emiya finally realized that the serious atmosphere of the conference room seemed inappropriate to exchange information with Nono who was lurking here. He stuffed the small pieces of paper with subversive and rebellious remarks written by Nono, such as "I can't stand staying in this shabby house, it's like being in prison", into his pocket.

"Gen-san, are you talking about participating in the Holy Grail War?" Emiya's voice echoed in the conference room. "If you insist on doing so, I naturally have no right to object. But Gen-san, are you sure you have the desire in your heart to entrust it to the Holy Grail? If not, I'm afraid the Holy Grail will not respond to your call."

"The inner...desire..."

Gennochi was stunned by what Emiya said, and his fingers unconsciously stroked the scabbard of Spider-Skiri. The cold touch reminded him of that rainy night.

Of course he had aspirations. At least when he had just joined the Executive Bureau, he was still filled with the passion and justice unique to young people. He thought that the knife in his hand could cut off all the evil in the world. At that time, his heart was full of hatred for evil and the intention to fight against evil spirits, and the ideal of justice to correct the root cause and create a bright and clear world.

However, this lofty ideal, like a loft in the sky, was soon shattered by the cold reality of killing his brother with his own hands... He realized that the so-called justice was nothing but a bloody fairy tale. Being a demon slayer was not justice at all, but just being a cold-blooded executioner.

That day, he personally thrust the blade into Minamoto Chisho's chest, and the warm blood splashed on his face. The passion burning in his heart gradually dissipated from then on. What supported Minamoto Chisho to continue wielding the sword and to stick to the position of "Emperor" as always until now was nothing more than that sense of responsibility in his heart.

What great wish did he still have that needed the Holy Grail to fulfill? To help his sister Eri overcome her flaws and smile and speak more? To help the Eight Snake Clan continue to grow stronger under his father's leadership?

Yuan Zhisheng couldn't help but ask himself this question, and then shook his head bitterly.

No, that's not right. Those were other people's wishes, not Yuan Zhisheng's own, his own...

"Ermiya, I do have a wish!"

Yuan Zhisheng raised his head again. He saw countless figures lying in pools of blood and heard the clang of swords clashing. Those sounds intertwined into a mournful elegy that echoed through the fate of the mixed-bloods for a thousand years.

What was reflected in his eyes at this moment was not anger or enthusiasm, but sadness. He was sad for the people who sacrificed in the ghost-slaying operations or in the process of conquering the fierce ghosts. Both the enemy and our side were enough to pile up into piles of bones and an endless sea of ​​blood.

"If the Holy Grail could really grant this one wish."

Yuan Zhisheng's voice was very soft, but it was as decisive as a knife. In his heart, he sincerely hoped to end the sad history or fate of the mixed-race people in this country who were killing each other.

...Although this idea may seem a little hypocritical to others.

"In that case, let's discuss the next step. Regarding the summoning of Heroic Spirits, the choice of Holy Relics and the Master's own compatibility are two very important factors..."

Emiya nodded and repeated what he had explained to Su Enxi last time, and finally added, "Actually, these two aspects are not difficult to solve."

"Oh? I'd like to hear the details."

Yuan Zhisheng held his breath and listened quietly, and the heads of the families present also sat up straight and turned their eyes to him.

"You are a direct descendant of the Minamoto clan, and your swords are both renowned ancient swords passed down from your ancestors. Therefore, with this being a holy relic, combined with your own bloodline and your status as a demon slayer, there's a high chance that the one summoned is the legendary demon slayer from over a thousand years ago, Minamoto no Yorimitsu, the great general of the Minamoto clan."

"Since the gods of the Ancient Age of Gods cannot rely on the Holy Grail to summon them, summoning Minamoto no Raikou is your best option. Here's another piece of information: once a Heroic Spirit is summoned, its power will be limited by its 'fame'!"

"Famous?"

Yuan Zhisheng understood the previous information, but why did this one sound a bit idealistic?

"In short, it's about how widespread the legend of the Heroic Spirit is in a certain area, whether it's widely known, and whether it's become a spiritual belief among the local people. The higher the fame, the greater the power bonus the Heroic Spirit will receive when it manifests as a Servant."

Let’s continue with the example of Grand Duke Vlad III.

Vlad III, who appeared in the FA world line, was summoned in Romania, and even in the Transylvania region, so the Grand Duke's popularity can be said to have reached the highest value, and thus he received the highest degree of popularity correction.

Without this fame compensation, the Grand Duke's strength would be reduced by 40%, and his attack speed would also be reduced.

Therefore, if Minamoto no Raikou is summoned in Japan, he can also get a fame bonus. If he is summoned in Kyoto, Minamoto no Raikou's homeland, he will get the highest level of strength bonus.

Unfortunately, this is Tokyo, and Tokyo's history is not as long as Kyoto's. Minamoto no Raikou's strength will be enhanced, but there will not be any correction to the highest level.

"It doesn't matter, this is already a very good advantage!"

After hearing this, Minamoto no Chisei was full of confidence. When it comes to the most famous demon-slaying hero in this country, no one can compare to his ancestor Minamoto no Raikou. Even if the fierce demons summon Shuten-doji, they are nothing but the souls killed by Minamoto no Raikou a thousand years ago!

As for other foreign forces, the servants they summoned could not gain any strength bonus in this island country. As a result, the Eight Snake Families established an absolute advantage!

Minamoto no Chisei was filled with excitement. He had to summon his ancestor Minamoto no Raikou right now!

"Wait a minute!"

The old man, Fuma Kotaro, raised an objection. "The young master's swords, Arashi-Kiri and Douji-Kiri Yasutsuna, are fine as summoning relics, but these two swords have been used by successive family heads... Isn't it possible that they could summon those unknown ancestors of the Genji?"

Yuan Zhisheng's interest was interrupted for a moment. He frowned and asked, "What does the Fengma family master mean?"

"I remember that within the family's treasury, there's the ancient, unused sword 'Oni-Kiri'. Legend has it that this sword also belongs to the Genji clan, and along with the Spider-Kiri and the Doji-Kiri, it's known as one of the Three Swords of Minamoto no Yorimitsu. In addition, the Genji clan also possesses the family heirloom armor 'Tate no Kamo' and the 'Star Armor' helmet..."

Fuma Kotaro mentioned ancient artifacts mentioned in the legends related to Minamoto no Raikou. "Sir Emiya, I think simply using the young master's sword as a holy relic isn't safe enough. Can we add a holy relic before the summoning to achieve a more precise targeted summoning?"

Yuan Zhisheng: "?"

"Second!" The gray-haired old man, Inuyama Heya, the head of the Inuyama family who had remained silent throughout, suddenly spoke up to make his presence felt.

The two old men faced the young master's strange and suspicious gaze, put on a brave face, and stubbornly insisted on their own opinions.

Little did they know that there were ripples of helpless bitterness in their hearts.