Although dusa was also born in Greece and was active even earlier, she wasn't a magus. In this regard, she couldn't compare to dea and quickly found herself at a disadvantage. She looked to Shinji for help, and Shinji scratched his head, saying:
"Your idea is good, but sorry, I refuse."
"Why?"
"It's simple. I'm a prospective Master who can summon another Servant, so I can't form a contract with you right now. As for the issue of magical energy supply, dea, soone once told that purely in terms of magical expertise, you stand at the pinnacle of magical history. Even without using extre thods, you should have ways to replenish your magic."
"If I don't use those thods, the efficiency of replenishing magical energy is low. One battle is fine, but any more than that..."
Shinji waved his hand.
"It's fine. Your combat role is already more supportive. In general—well, this situation doesn't seem ordinary, so it's better to play it safe. You'll form a contract with Sakura. She'll prioritize supplying your magical energy, and I have a solution for Rider."
"What solution?"
dusa asked curiously.
"This."
Shinji drew his finger across his other hand, flicking a liquid-like substance toward dusa's lips.
Instinctively, dusa stuck out her tongue and licked it. In the next second, her expression changed.
"This—this is!!!"
"My blood. Not bad, right?"
Indeed, Shinji's solution was to provide dusa with magical energy through his blood.
Broadly speaking, dusa could be classified as a type of vampire. However, compared to True Ancestors or Dead Apostles, dusa was an even older existence and wouldn't create subordinates or thralls by drinking blood. Her classification as a vampire was solely because, for her and her two sisters, blood was the most potent source of energy. They could extract the greatest amount of power from it. One of dusa's Noble Phantasms, Blood Fort Androda, directly reflected this trait.
However, the energy contained in ordinary human blood was limited. Even if she drained soone completely, she wouldn't gain much magical energy. But Shinji was different—he was a magus, and his blood was far more potent than that of an ordinary person. Additionally, his body had been strengthened through various ans from a young age, and he had recently consud part of the True Ancestor's blood and the essence of the Crimson fruit. To dusa, his blood was the perfect supplent.
Based on the analysis of the blood she had just ingested, only a few drops of Shinji's blood per day would be enough to sustain her existence. For combat, she would need more, but it wouldn't have a significant impact on Shinji's body.
This was a thod of magical supply unique to Shinji and dusa (although Steno and Euryale could also use it). dusa's gaze towards Shinji instantly changed—like a horny Onee-san eyeing Shotacon.
Shinji shuddered involuntarily and quickly changed the subject.
"Does anyone else have any objections? If not, then it's settled—Sakura, form the contract."
"Okay."
Having already ford one contract before, Sakura skillfully raised her left hand, which bore the Command Seals, and began chanting.
"Your body shall be under my command, and my fate shall be entrusted to your sword."
As invisible magical energy flowed, creating a swirling current, a new contract was established.
With a new source of magical energy and an anchor in the physical world, dea's recovery was visible to the naked eye. The magical aura unique to witches beca even more intense.
When she got off the bed and donned her cloak, a combination of a cape and robe, she spoke with unprecedented confidence to everyone:
"Master, and Mr. Shinji, rejoice. You've made the wisest choice—I now hold the key to victory in this Holy Grail War and have found the best location to establish a base. I'll take you there right away."
What she didn't expect was that the group's reaction was much more casual than she had anticipated. Her Master and the other two girls were sowhat curious, but dusa remained expressionless, while Shinji looked as if he had expected this all along.
"You're talking about Mount ENzou, right? The mountain in that direction."
"You knew?"
This ti, it was dea's turn to be surprised. She had used considerable effort to co to this conclusion.
"Of course, I know. We've lived in this area for over ten years. How could I not know where the best ley lines are or where the center of magical rituals is? As you said, the terrain there is excellent, with a powerful bounded field that restricts the movent of spirits, making it easy to defend and hard to attack. The underground magical energy is also ideal for a magus like you. It's certainly the best choice for a base—"
Here, Shinji deliberately paused and pointed at the ground beneath his feet.
"—That is, if you ignore the workshop you're standing on right now."
"Huh?"
dea was even more astonished after hearing Shinji's words. He wasn't like Atrum, who was ignorant. He clearly understood the advantages of Mount Enzou, so why was he saying this?
It wasn't that dea was being arrogant, but modern magecraft couldn't compare to the magecraft of the Age of Gods in terms of level or scale. What was considered advanced modern magecraft seed like children's toys to her.
Could this workshop be that impressive?
Seeing her confusion, Shinji smiled smugly.
"Well, well, I didn't expect the famous dea to make a misjudgnt. Sakura, show Caster around the workshop. Kirie, Fujino, clean up, and I'll go wash the dishes. Rider—"
"I'm going with her."
dusa, her face cold, pointed at dea.
"I still don't fully trust her. I won't give her any chances."
"Hmph, suit yourself."
dea turned her head, put on her hood, and walked ahead.
dusa followed closely behind, maintaining a standard three-step distance.
"Ha~ Why can't you Greek representatives just get along?"
Shinji sighed.
Both Greek representatives snorted coldly at the sa ti, their hostility undeniable.
Shinji shrugged and said no more. After the two left the room, he followed behind them.
dusa, you don't need to worry. Even if dea has second thoughts, I have counterasures. She may seem crazy, but she also has things she fears.
For example, her aunt, and half-ntor, the Great Witch Circe. As an apprentice, dea had endured quite a bit of tornt from Circe.
Even if that doesn't work, I have another trump card: a natural counter to manipulative personalities—dea Milf may be devious, but her younger self, dea Lily, was pure and innocent, rivaling even Arcueid in naivety. With a Command Seal and a bit of magic to alter her spirit origin, betrayal? Not a chance.
Of course, these thoughts remained in Shinji's mind. He wasn't a fool who would reveal all his cards. He had long planned for contingencies, both for dusa and dea.
Now that most of the pieces were in place, all that was left was to wait for the other Masters to make their moves.
And from this mont on, the Fifth Holy Grail War finally began to feel like a real war.
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